After viewing a few popular preachers I was instinctively turned off by their rotund appearance. I had to ask myself, 'Am I being over critical or is there a real issue here that I am just discovery that needs to be looked at closer'? You see, I thought it seemed hypocritical that Preachers are quick to condemn a carnal sin like adultery or homosexuality, but remain totally silent (it seems) on another carnal sin like gluttony. So I got my Bible out to see what it says abut over eating, and rather than give you verbatim quotes, I will give you quick summaries.
For starters, over-eating is not praised anywhere in the Bible; it is in fact looked down upon., (Proverbs 23:1-3). It is also a characteristic of ungodly people-Philippians 3:19. Can a Christians truly be holy or distinct if they cannot control their appetites? I knew a Christian that was so over-weight that whenever he talked, his breathing was very labored. How many people would find such a heavy person's witness credible or true? Isn't that another way of living in sin? Paul does tell us to be tempered in all things, (including eating) in ICorinthians 9:25-27. Common sense should tell anyone that if a person engages in excessive behavior then that behavior should disqualify them from leading others; that at least part of their lives is out of control and not under God's direction. (see Timothy 3:2 for proof). Add to the fact that there is currently a famine and a food shortage in many parts of the world only adds to the calloused nature of over eating. When we over eat our appetite becomes our god because it is that tasty morsel that ultimately concern us; not the God of the universe. (See Philippians 3:19). I pray that my attitude has not been too harsh.
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