Given to Gluttony = Death

"...and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:2

This verse made me think "OUCH!" The verses around it say not to crave the delicacies of a ruler for that food is deceptive. Then the Bible goes on to talk about restraint. I've not practiced restraint when I've wanted something to eat. The verse above  makes me realize how serious God is about this sin that we take so casually. I've given myself over to the deception of food before... I think, 'oh, just this one time of having a little too much or living it up in the chocolate I'm craving can't hurt; after all, I'll just work harder tomorrow.' But, tomorrow, saying no to temptation is just that much harder, especially once I've put on a few pounds.

I'm not suggesting we kill ourselves, but I am noting how serious the sin of gluttony really is. I know I tend to think of sins in terms of consequences. Surely I'm not as bad as someone who has committed murder, right? Just because I'm overeating, I'm just hurting myself. But, I have to remember that I matter to God. My body matters to God. He created it and I've been destroying it. I'm essentially killing myself slowly. And, in the process, I've been giving into temptation and sin that I KNOW is wrong. Yet, I'm always giving excuses for why it's okay 'just this once.' I know it's important to take a stand, and yet I've been luke warm.

This has been the hardest struggle of my life. And, while I thought it would get easier, it's still something I have to give to the Lord every day. He is the Savior. It's only through His Word and His grace that I'm even able to type this. I am a sinner. Plain. Simple. But, I'm also loved by God and saved through the blood of Jesus. I struggle with overindulgence. But, I know that I can overcome through Christ if I trust in Him. Salvation won't come on my own - I don't have the willpower. But, I can take one step at a time with God who guides me through His Word.

Please pray for me in this journey, and I will pray for you as well. We need God's help to keep us from temptation and deliver us from evil!

Dear God, please forgive us where we've given ourselves over to gluttony. Lord, I can see in the Bible that You find this behavior repulsive. Yet, I've read of Your unfailing, faithful love to Your people - even when they worshiped idols, so long as they repented and turned back to You, You rescued them. God, we're asking for the same mercy and grace. Once again, we ask for the blood of Jesus to cover our sin. Lord, instead of us slitting our own throats, we are coming before Your thrown and asking for help to turn from our wicked ways. Help us to be mindful of what we're doing to our bodies when we are eating. Help us eat enough but not get lazy and eat as much as we're used to consuming. Help us live for Your glory. Forgive us, oh God, and save us from temptation. Deliver us from evil as only You can. We need Your mercy and grace. We love You and long to glorify You with our bodies. In Jesus' name, AMEN!