The right diet physically and spiritually
Scripture reading: Luke 16:19 26. Text: “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.” Philippians 3:19.
The next deadly sin for discussion is gluttony, which the Webster New World dictionary defines as “the habit or act of eating too much.” One of the temptations people have difficulty resisting is eating more than they should.
Weigh the issue, not the person.
Let us make it very clear that the weight of our body alone gives privilege to no one to speak of gluttony. Two people, in the same circumstances, may eat the same amount of food yet their bodies will utilize the consumed calories differently due to metabolism. The difference in weight not necessarily reflects upon the difference in spirituality. We must take into consideration all these three: appetite, the need of calories and metabolism.
Let us make it clear: you not only deserve, but also have the right, to have the necessary amount of food for fuel for your body. This food should be tasty, delicious and nutritious. You should consume it in a quiet atmosphere, preferably in the company of friends, colleagues or family. Each meal should be enjoyable. If your mother or wife is a good cook it is a special blessing.
This quotation is attributed to Benjamin Franklin but I am sure it was mentioned even before him: “We eat to live, and do not live to eat!”
I wish to quote Billy Graham: “The Romans, before the fall of Rome, were given to three major sins: gluttony, drunkenness and immorality. They dug their graves with their teeth, killed themselves by illicit indulgence and embalmed themselves with alcohol.”
Lust and gluttony are equally the temptations of the body and from where do we get the willpower to prevail?
Self control and self restraint cannot be practiced as long as the emphasis is on oneself. Which excuses do we use to justify our life style? I have worked for it! I deserve it! Mind your own business! Criticize yourself first! Why do you notice only the dark side? What others are doing is even worse, why do not you talk to them?
From the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14 30) we know that our physical, mental and spiritual powers were given for glorious and noble purposes; thus our mind and body should become useful instruments in these services.
The well-balanced diet consists not only of the right amount of fat, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates, but also what nourishes the soul as Jesus Christ spelled it out: “… Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.