In this segment, I will attempt to bring a reasonable and rational understanding to a serious problem we are currently facing in our society today.

At a time when a generation of people are reaching their “Golden Years” a serge of this segment, called “Baby Boomers” have seemly left in their wake, a by product of offspring caught in this terrible plight.

Indeed, we are facing an enemy, yes; it is an evil force that is moving rampantly and ravishingly through a new generation. What on earth could be such a horrible thing, that has found itself embedded within the minds and hearts of a society? Murder?

Too many I am afraid, when I reveal such a problem, that emotions will be stirred. These emotions are normal, however, when out of control they can be down right offensive and blinding. Gluttony! What? Gluttony, how dare me! This serious problem is gaining momentum as I write. A core issue has attached itself in many facets of our lives.

In my opening statement, I stated I would attempt to bring a reasonable and rational understanding to a serious problem. In order to do so I first must ask this question. Do you wrestle with the sin of gluttony? If you are, this article will certainly open your eyes and allow you to see clearly a path to follow to become victorious over this sin. If you are not guilty of such sin, praise God! Read on, so you can become better equipped to help someone you know who is. You know who they are. You see them everywhere. Perhaps, you did not even think anything of it. That is ok, but now you will know the truth, and the truth will set them free.

As Christians, we should be especially motivated to keep our weight within healthy limits. Food is part of God’s creation, to receive with gratitude and share with others (1Timothy 4:3-5).

As a basic provision, God has provided through which we can experience His loving care for us. Eating food can be a pleasurable experience. There is no question that meals provide important times for building relationships within the family, among friends, socializing, and serving others.

However, like many good things, food can be abused. Overeating harms the body and can shorten our time here on this earth to glorify God and to serve others. People become overweight for many reasons, some of which are beyond their control. However, we cannot ignore the fact that overeating stems from small decisions to eat when we know we should not. For that reason, some decisions must be view as sinful.

God is very clear and serious about this sin gluttony. In fact, the Bible views gluttony as immoral and links it with drunkenness. “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness cloths them in rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21; see also Deuteronomy 21:20).

In condemning any sinful behavior we must be quick to remember that “all fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Gluttony is just one of many ways we demonstrate our selfishness and rebellion. You see, as a Christian Jesus should be Lord over our life, instead, for some “their stomachs are their god” (Philippians 3:19).

This can lead to slavery and serious bondage and result in the neglect of others’ needs.

In a world of richness and a society of great development far reaching beyond generations before us, we have become so rich we are dying from eating too much. Millions are dying from having nothing to eat. What an incredible contrast. As I stated before we must reason with this and act according to God's plan not man's. This problem also deals with and is deeply rooted with our “GNP” Gross National Product. Yes, the bottom line of our countries profit. I will give you facts to back this terrible problem. We are at a time like no other.

There is a problem. Time magazine, USA Today, U.S. World Report, and the list goes on reported in many other publications. A staggering 58 million are overweight, 40 million are obese, and 3 million are morbidly obese. An average seven out of 10 over the age of 25 are overweight / obese. Twenty five percent of American children are overweight /obese; seventy-eight percent of Americans are not meeting basic activity levels recommended.

What is the related consequence to overweight and obesity? Seventy-six percent had an increase in type II diabetes in adults 30 - 40 since 1990. Eighty percent have type II diabetes, followed by seventy percent dealing with cardiovascular disease. What is even more astounding, The Federal Food and Drug Administration revamped the standard for the Food Pyramid in 2005. The results are in. We had an alarming increased rate of obesity by sixty percent and another increase in 2007 to sixty seven percent. At this rate, it is predicted it will hit ninety percent.

The industry, that is diets, meal plans, diet clubs, weight-loss clinics ect. For starters, the promoting of diets and diet related products is a major industry in the United States. Annual revenues for the diet industry was over $30 billion dollars in 1990. That is many people reaching out to attempt to find a solution. It reached $55 billion in 2007. The future does not get better. A quote from William L. Weis, a management professor at Seattle University, says that, “obesity industries, and including commercial bariatric surgery centers, will likely top $315 billion this year.” That figure is nearly 3% of the overall U.S. economy.

To understand this in greater detail, in contrast to what John wrote in 1 John 3:17. To paraphrase, how does the love of God abide in those who have most of the world’s food, but close their heart to those who are hungry?

Galatians 5 list the sins of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Among the sins, is a Greek word translated “orgies” (v.21), which actually describes wild parties involving drunkenness, fornication, and over eating. In contrast is “self-control” (v.23), which involves keeping all our sensual appetites in check. The consequences of overindulging in alcohol, or not keeping our sexual appetites under control, are clearly visible. Christians are well known for condemning these practices. We should be as concerned about our eating habits and allow the Holy Spirit to help us to control them.

God is concerned about our eating habits, this is a fact based on His Word. He states that we are “magnificently and wonderfully made” what an incredible statement describing His children. The fact that God is concerned about our weight should be a source of our hope. Our Heavenly Father is with us in our attempts to get this area of our lives under control. We should approach this as we would any other area of character change, involving prayer, fellowship, and guidance from other Christians.

I will add another very important point that should be carefully considered, avoid any legalistic approaches, or making ourselves (or others) feel guilty. Arbitrary rules and negative treatment of one’s body “lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence” (Colossians 2:23)

Finally, we must never forget what Christ came to bring us, freedom, not to put us under bondage. However, this does not give us a license to do what ever we feel like doing. “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:13-14).

It is the Christian responsibility to show grace and compassion to ourselves and others who struggle with weight issues. In my next segment, I will be sharing the how. Once we have identified and admit we need help in this area, the rest will become the work of the Father as you are lead to a true change May God richly bless you.  L I

Come back for Part 2 next month