Wow, gluttony is not really something that I immediately think of as a sin. I am just one that has been afforded more than I need and that is not wrong, is it?
Gluttony: 1 – Excess in eating or drinking, 2 – Greedy or excessive indulgence. — Merriam-Webster Online
I know that based on the definition above I think of gluttony in the case of number one as pertains to eating or drinking. And I will say that over the past few years, I have realized that I do not need that second plate of food, and Lori and I have even bought smaller plates to curb some of the over eating that happens in our home.
What I had not really thought of actively was all of the other indulgent behaviors and areas that I have take part in my life. Too many lawn tools that are only used periodically and not even every year. Too many electronic devices. Too much TV watching. All of these seem to fall into the luxuries that are really not needed and lend to bloated feelings as relates to possessions and vices.
As I read and study “gluttony” I again see that this seeming small sin leads to greater sin that can and will overtake the individual. Gluttony leads to greed which leads to envy which leads to pride which leads to anger. All of these, I may find small in themselves, although when combined they are debilitating and demonstrate a character that is less that the example of Christ’s love.
It is contentment and self-control that allows for the overcoming of gluttony. Knowing that I have enough and actively working against the acquiring of more. I have to know that more is not better in the idea of things. It is love and being okay with what I have that will guide me in the direction of focusing and doing of God’s work for His glory and not my own.
I need more of the actions of guying smaller plates and looking to the necessities as opposed to looking to gain more as is typical in the quest for the “American Way”. I have to know that doing the work of God with what I have is more than enough to accomplish His plan for me. God give what I “need” and when appropriate, He will bless me with more and as relates to both, it is my duty to be thankful to Him and His gracious giving. I then need to be sure that I am sharing those gifts with others and not gluttonously holding them for myself.
What do you have in your life that is more than you need? Are you hording the excess and possibly letting it lead to additional sin? What if you were to be content with what you have and demonstrate self-control to not gluttonously work to acquire even more?
Trevor's Thoughts 