Gluttony is rarely discussed in church, so what is it? Two definitions that Dan Jordan shared
were “excess in eating or drinking; greedy or excessive indulgence.” Our usual definition often relates to eating and drinking, but Dan focused on indulgence. I looked up the definition of indulge, and according to the American Heritage dictionary, it means “to yield to (desire or whim); gratify.” In our culture it is so easy to give into our desires and whims and even begin to define them as needs. However, is that truly what Jesus wants for us-to give into our own desires and whims? Is that what is best for us? Dan Jordan stated that ”Gluttony is not a weight issue. Gluttony is source issue.”
He continued, “What or who is your source?” The key is to discover what or who gives you
direction, strength and peace? Is it food, social media, other people’s approval, your future, or the LORD? Whatever or whoever your source is directs your internal conversation, your
attitude, and your steps. “Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are
on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:20 (NKJV)
When I was young, I heard the old adage “Birds of a feather flock together.” With whom you
spend your time influences you so much. For Dan he was making comfort his idol. Food and
indulging in other behaviors assuaged him and directed him down into a pit of depression, poor self esteem, shame and anger.
Though Dan had accepted Jesus as his savior, his behavior was not consistent with his
commitment to the LORD. He stated,”I didn’t want freedom from sin, just freedom from the
consequences.” It is so easy to downplay the severity of our own sins and to upgrade the
severity of another person’s sin. We are justifying our own behavior instead of really dealing with the big issue-our own sin.
Dan gave five steps to freedom in life. He suggested that “you fight the right giant.” My question to myself was “Do I really want to deal with and repent of my sin or escape from the
consequences as a Christ follower? Are the guidelines and commandments the LORD gave us to restrict us or to give us His abundant life? Eve believed the lie of satan the serpent who
invited her to eat of the tree about which the LORD warned her. However, Dan shared, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us
from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 (NLT) That verse answers the question right there. First, we
identify the issue and confess, repent of our sins. The promise is His forgiveness. That
forgiveness gives us freedom from self condemnation. That forgiveness helps us to walk in
uncomfortable situations with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and intercession.
The second step to freedom is to “buddy up buttercup.” This Christ-following walk is not a solo journey but a life in community. “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) I have friends and family that I know care about me. When I need prayer, I can call on them, and they will pray for me right then. The LORD is using that friend or family member to lift my chin to look at Him instead of looking at my feelings and circumstances. Recently I did just that. I texted a dear friend and said that I needed prayer. I was feeling isolated. She texted back a prayer and helped me get my eyes on my heavenly Father who says that I am His Beloved. I am the daughter of the king. Praise God for community. May you welcome the opportunity to support and encourage another as my friend did.
Third, Dan had to “change his diet.” That is not only the food diet. It might relate to your time, your priorities, your friends, or your time with the LORD. “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge
your evil desires.” Romans 13:14 (NLT) What tempts you away from a stronger walk with the
LORD, a stronger dependence on Him? What should you eliminate from your daily walk that is not healthy for your relationship with Him? Is it social media, the movies you watch, the music to which you listen? Eliminate what detracts from your authentic walk with the LORD.
Also it is good to ask yourself if your thoughts, words, and deeds are for Him or not-are they
honoring of Him or not. His disciples learned how to be disciplined. As His disciples, we get to learn about what will enhance our walk with the LORD. “Christians have a hard time. Disciples don’t,” stated Dan. “The easiest way to not fall off the ledge is to stay away from the edge.”
Fourth, “your spirit will never beat your flesh if it’s starving.” Do you spend time in His word? Is your time with the LORD part of a checklist of tasks, or is your time with your Abba Father a chance to hear what He has for you each day? Is your reading of His word an exercise in
getting it done, or is it an opportunity to read His love letter. Think of a time when you anxiously waited for an answer either through snail mail or a text. Is that how you feel about spending time with Jehovah Jireh? Honestly sometimes I cannot wait to get into His word, and other times I have to push myself, but I know that when I do set aside time, I look at the world and the people in it differently. He wrote His love letter to each of us so that we could see how much He loves us. Don’t slight yourself of that gift.
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For
example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray
for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that
cannot be expressed.” Romans 8:26 (NLT)
In this world where we want to appear strong, but we feel weak, we have the Holy Spirit our
Advocate who helps us in our weakness. Thank you, LORD, for the Paraclete.
Finally, “my witness mattered.” Everything I think, say and do speak. People are watching us
disciples, and when our words and our walk do not match, we besmirch the LORD. Too often we deny Him by our life style and that speaks to His detractors. “In the same way let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:16 (NLT) The only we can achieve this is through the help, direction and protection of the Holy Spirit. “My body and life are a testimony to His glory,” said Dan. “I had to make a choice.” He had to make it clear who or what his source was. He reminded us that we are either going towards the LORD or away from Him. Then he shared “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 (NLT) And he reminded us to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT) “Jesus devastated His flesh for us.The least you can do is deny your flesh for Him.”
It is an easy choice-freedom or bondage. Let us choose freedom in the Maker of Heaven and
Earth so that we can be light and salt in this troubled world.
Submitted by
Larry and Annette Linthicum
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