A growing problem
Most Christians take a strong stand against certain sins. There is a holy rejection of sexual immorality. The pro-life movement is strong with its plea for the life of the unborn. Alcoholism and drug abuse are rightly condemned. Pornography is abhorred. But there is a common sin which has become acceptable among many Christians.
Missionary friends from South America commented recently that when they returned to the States, they were amazed at the number of people who are overweight. Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. Statistics indicate that 30% to 50% of Americans are too fat, and it is a growing health problem.
“You notice it especially at the beach. With one out of two adults and one out of four children overweight, it’s almost abnormal to be normal weight. Fewer manual jobs, more computers and television, parents afraid to let their kids outside to play without supervision, and increased dependence on cars all contribute to the fattening of America. But that’s only part of the equation. The food industry spends billions of dollars each year on advertising and promotion to create an environment that constantly pressures us to eat. And it’s not hawking carrots and celery sticks.”1
Is it really wrong?
But is obesity a sin? If a person enjoys eating, what is wrong with that even if he tends to overeat? Should not we guard against legalism in this area? After all, aren’t there some preachers who are too heavy and God uses them? Does Scripture say anything about the matter?
Under God’s Law in the Old Testament, parents with a rebellious son were told to bring him to the elders of the city. “And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear” (Dt. 21:20f). Gluttony is linked with drunkenness as evil. That is strong language!
“Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat” (Prov. 23:20). Once again, overeating is linked with drinking and is warned against. In the New Testament, Paul affirms of the people of Crete, quoting one of their own race, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). There were certain national traits and overeating was one of them. It is hardly a commendation. Paul describes some as “enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly” (Php. 3:18f). Apparently, these lived for sensual pleasure, and eating was one of these obsessions. One remembers the drunken and gluttonous orgies of the rich Romans of ancient times.
But what of the accusation made of the Christ? “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children” (Mt. 11:19). Jesus said they criticized John for his ascetic lifestyle, living like a hermit, eating locusts and wild honey, living off the land. Jesus came and fraternized with people, eating in their homes and reaching out to sinners. They criticized him for such conduct. The truth is that they rejected the message of God. The word for glutton here is phagos, literally an “eater.” They were attempting to discredit and to ridicule Him. It was a slanderous remark. Certainly, the Lord Jesus never was drunk nor ate to excess—one must consider the source of the remark—but it is significant that gluttony was understood to be obviously evil.
Why do some of us struggle with overeating? Often, it may be because of emotional stress. Eating is pleasurable and satisfying. It helps one forget unhappiness or pain. Or it may be falling into wrong patterns of living, like lying on a couch reading or watching TV, munching all of those calorie-laden goodies. We don’t need the food, but it tastes good! A sedentary lifestyle plus overeating spells weight gain.
Are you as a Christian a little convicted and concerned about your weight? Maybe your doctor has even cautioned you that your weight is endangering your health. And as a Christian you realize your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19f). Your body belongs to God and should be maintained carefully for His use and glory. Is there some emotional need or stress in your life that food seems to satisfy? Surely God can satisfy the needs of our hearts as we turn to Him.
What can I do?
Doctors tell us two things are necessary to maintain proper weight, unless there is some organic problem in one’s body. One of these is exercise. The body was made to be active and, many times, one’s employment simply does not give adequate exercise. Paul says, “For bodily exercise profits a little” (1 Tim. 4:8). He is not belittling exercise but simply contrasting it with the eternal value of godliness. Some brisk exercise 3-5 times a week will burn up calories and tone up one’s muscles. Some are able to have a workout in a gym but many are not able to do this. But can you walk briskly for 30 minutes or so daily? Choose your own exercise but be consistent and disciplined in doing it.
Then there is the matter of food! Proverbs gives advice to the man going to eat with a ruler, “And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite” (Prov. 23:2). It is good advice for all. Control your appetite on a regular basis. Crash diets are ineffective because after the initial loss of weight people go back to their old eating habits. Learn to take smaller portions and refuse seconds. Reduce your fat intake. Beware of fast foods which are often laden with fat. And eliminate snacks between meals. Eat more fruits and vegetables. In short, be a good steward of the body that God has given you. (As is often the case, it is possible to go to the other extreme and become obsessive—even self-righteous—in the name of “health.” This doesn’t glorify God, either.)
What about those times when food seems desirable and tempting? The urge to open a bag of potato chips seems overwhelming. Surely this is a time to read, to meditate, and to pray. “Oh, how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. … How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps. 119:97, 103). Honey is such a delicious sweet, sweeter than sugar. As a beekeeper for many years, I can affirm its sweetness. But the Psalmist asserts that God’s Word is much sweeter and more satisfying.
Is this nit-picking? Is this legalism? We live in a society that is increasingly obsessed with physical, temporal comforts and pleasures. And it shows! We have the opportunity to be different. May we, as God’s people, find supreme joy and satisfaction in our God and in His Word.
Endnote
1 Nutrition Action, Vol. 25, no. 8