Self Control

In our sacred exercise group, we’ve been having a little discussion about self-control…You know, when we “plan” to eat one bite of the pie, and the next thing we know, half of it is gone. It’s funny, but is it? When is overeating or lack of self-control a sin?!? Lots of opinions out there, but I’m gonna take it to God’s Word.

First of all, it is not necessarily wrong to enjoy good food, or anything else God has given us for our good. The Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17). God gave us food that tastes good and taste buds to enjoy His gifts. God loves to see us fellowship and celebrate around food. Jesus did attend a few dinner parties.

The problem is that we easily misuse God’s gifts and turn them into something harmful or even evil. Food is good, but when it becomes our master, it becomes bad. This is why the Bible condemns gluttony (overindulgence and overconsumption of anything).. The Bible reminds us that “a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19).

This is why it is crucial to invite Jesus into it all and commit everything we do to Him, with thanksgiving. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“The sin of lacking self-control springs from two causes: first, physical appetite; second, mental habit. When we allow our passions to rule us, the outcome is far more undesirable than can be imagined during the moment of pleasurable fulfillment. The need for self-control in every aspect of life has never been greater as we see violence, selfishness, apathy, and undisciplined living so prominent.” Billy Graham

Go back to 1 Corinthians 10:31 “…do it ALL for the glory of the Lord.” In those six word, we find the answer. The question isn’t “Is overeating a sin?” but “Am I glorifying the Lord?”

As daughters of the King, don’t we want to show the character of Jesus in our lives? Lead others to Him by our obedience, including self-control?

Answer these questions with Jesus.

yoυ are enoυgн