My weight struggle is no secret. A lifetime member of Weight Watchers, I own all their books and gadgets. I work out with a gal who nudges me into daily exercise. So then, you might well ask, “Brenda, are you thin?” No, I am not thin, but I am thinner and I am definitely healthier. Anyway, the sin is gluttony, not overweight. The Bible says we are ‘light’ in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8)!
Little by little, God is changing me. I no longer binge and purge. I think of myself now as a gourmet, a connoisseur, and one who carefully selects and savors every bite. Most of the time, I’m in command of my taste buds and hunger because I have self-control. How do I know that? God says so.
The Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control but we have to live them out in the physical. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control (self-restraint, continence) (Galatians 5:22-23, AMP).
Some people get instant healing from their addictions. Their hearts no longer desire chocolate, bread or other assorted evils. I want to be happy for you. (Really! I do!) However, that is not how the Lord dealt with me. I’ve walked a long slow process toward healing.
The gourmand uses food as a comforter while the gourmet delights in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Don’t we want him to fully enjoy his home? Our body? His temple? (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Colossians 1:11-May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy (RSV).
Prayer: Lord, be our comfort, even in our eating. Amen.
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