PLEASE NOTE: If you're struggling with an eating disorder, this topic is NOT about you. An eating disorder is neither a moral nor spiritual failure. Even binge eating disorder is NOT gluttony. All eating disorders are very real, very serious illnesses that require medical and mental health professionals. If you think you may need help, visit AllianceforEatingDisorders.com. Now, please go check out some of our other content. And please take care of yourself.
What is gluttony?
Gluttony isn't a word we use much today, so the meaning can be misunderstood. There's a common misconception that gluttony is solely about food or overeating, but that just isn't the case. While food is an easy example we can all relate to, that isn't actually what gluttony is about.
God Gave Us Good Things
"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." —James 1:17 (NLT)
Enjoying different pleasures that are unrelated to sin is a good thing (Psalm 16:11; Matthew 7:11). Jesus did not come to save us so that we would live joyless lives. He came so that we could live lives full of joy and daily fulfillment (John 10:10).
We're allowed to enjoy the good things God brings our way (James 1:17). We can have hobbies and interests, enjoy trying different foods, relax with a favorite show, or play on the beach. None of those things are inherently sinful—they're just wonderful things we get to have in our lives. In fact, God is the source of all the good things we have and all the good things we crave (James 1:17).
The Overindulgence of Good Things
"You are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you." —Romans 8:9a (NLT)
You know how they say that there CAN be too much of a good thing? While we're allowed to enjoy God's good gifts, we are not to overindulge or allow our desire for pleasure to become the most important thing—to the detriment of everything else.
For example, Proverbs 25:16 says, "If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it." Food was created to be both useful and a joy, and honey is one of those things. There's nothing sinful about eating it. But if you overdo it, then that act is what leads to harm.
Overindulgence is what the Bible is getting at when it talks about gluttony (Philippians 3:19; Proverbs 23:20-21).
Gluttony Exposes a Lack of Self Control
"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. And even though 'I am allowed to do anything,' I must not become a slave to anything." —1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)
We sin in gluttony when we allow our desire for good pleasures to control our actions rather than taking control of ourselves (Romans 8:9). The Bible uses our physical appetites as an analogy about our ability to control ourselves in other areas of our lives.
We shouldn't let our appetites or desires control or supersede our goals, priorities, or relationships (1 Corinthians 6:12; Galatians 5:22). If we can't control our physical desires—even if they're good ones—then we'll likely struggle to control sinful desires as well. The ability to say "no" to anything in excess is a practice of self-control.
All Good Pleasures in Moderation
"God did not give us a Spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." —2 Timothy 1:7
Good pleasures from God are wonderful things that we're free to enjoy in ways that don't cause harm to us or others. That means enjoying them in moderation. We're free to eat, dance, play games, watch shows, pursue hobbies or careers, or whatever good thing God has placed in our lives.
At the same time, we must make the best use of our days (Ephesians 5:15-16), consider the needs of others (Galatians 5:13), take care of our mental and physical health (Romans 12:1-2), respect our parents (Colossians 3:20), be a loving friend, and practice being a good person (Matthew 6:19-21). We can't do those things if our first priority is always seeking our own pleasure and comfort.
Practicing Self Control
"Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." —James 4:17
If you're struggling to control your desires for good things, take some time to examine your motivations. Think about why you keep turning to that specific thing and how it might be hurting you or your relationships. Are you filling a need that could be better filled in another way? Ask God for wisdom if you're having a hard time pinpointing the cause (James 1:5).
We must learn to recognize when we've had enough of a good thing. Overindulgence will often lead to lasting harm, and that's what we're trying to avoid by practicing self control and moderation.
God has blessed us with amazing gifts that we can enjoy and be filled with—things that make us feel good and keep us going. We can honor God's gifts by appreciating these lovely things in a way that doesn't hurt us or make us lose control.
ALSO SEE:
- How can I control myself?
- How can I control my temper?
- How can I control my hormones and sexual urges?
- How do I keep my thoughts godly?
- How can I overcome temptation?
- Is caffeine addiction a sin?
- How can I live in the world not of the world?
- God Doesn't Want You to Be Miserable
- How can I get better at spiritual discernment?
- What does the Bible say about laziness?
- What does the Bible say about procrastination?
TL;DR
Many misunderstand gluttony, thinking that it is solely about food or overeating, but that just isn't the case. Gluttony is actually about a lack of self control over our desires for the good gifts God has given us. We ought to learn to recognize when we've had enough of a good thing. Overindulgence will often lead to lasting harm, and that's what we're trying to avoid by practicing self control and moderation. We can honor God's gifts by appreciating these lovely things in a way that doesn't hurt us or make us lose control.
Writer: Heidi Joelle
Heidi Joelle spends her days staring at paperwork and making sure it is where it is supposed to be, how it is supposed to be, when it is supposed to be. And then she comes home and makes sure the porky little dog isn't eating a trashcan. Between these two events, she tries to learn and see as much of the world around her as possible.
Writer/Editor: Catiana (Cat)
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
