By Allen White
Abstinence
is easier than moderation. Growing up I was taught to completely avoid alcohol,
but boy could we eat. It was acceptable to have indigestion. It was not
acceptable to have a hangover. Drunkards were bad. Gluttons, well, that’s a
very harsh way to describe a healthy appetite, right?
Here’s what
I see in this verse: the actual food and drink is not evil or bad. The problem
comes with what we do with them. If I eat a big fatty meal for lunch and cannot
function at work in the afternoon is that any worse than having a three martini
lunch? I don’t recommend either.
Why do we
overindulge? First of all, we like it. But, there can be too much of a good
thing, especially when it affects our health, our relationships, and our
performance. Outside of pleasure, there is a deeper issue. Why do we turn to
“comfort food” rather than the “Comforter” (John 14:16)? It doesn’t have to be
overindulging in food or drink. It could be overworking, over-exercising,
over-entertaining, or any use of pornography. These things are easily
available. It’s there when we need it.
God is there
when we need Him too. As we turn our trust from things we can control to the
God who is in control over all, we can approach food and drink and work and
exercise and entertainment with moderation and put them in their proper place.
What do you
go to when you’re stressed out? What do you tend to overdo? Next time you’re
tempted to overindulge, stop and ask God to help with what’s eating you.
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