Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. Philippians 3:19
I baked a yummy berry cobbler. I mixed together some strawberries and blueberries and sugar to try making a sourdough tart. It turned out tasty. I had some of the berry jam leftover so I thought I would use it up on an old cobbler recipe. The morning, after finishing off the cobbler, I felt used up! Too much sugar!
Am I the only one that has this problem? I take what is good and gorge until I feel sick. Please tell me I am not alone.
Paul speaks of observing those who walk according to the pattern he has explained. Having an attitude of maturity in the upward call of God. Following an example set that is honoring to that call for Christ.
As I overindulge in sweet, warm, fruity covered cake, I don’t consider the ramifications. All I know is that in that moment, it sure is good. Give me all the sweets. Let me shove them in my mouth to enjoy the yummy goodness of it all.
Even typing that out makes me feel a little sick.
And it should.
In those moments of overindulgence, I am ignoring the God-given fruit of self-control. I am filling my body with a substance that is not beneficial for me. The slight amount of nutrients remaining in the berries did not balance out all the sugar that leaves me feeling drugged after about thirty minutes of sitting in my stomach.
I go back to these verses:
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23
Sugar does not treat my body well. I know this. But yet, I choose to eat it. It provides no nutritional building blocks. It messes up all my building blocks. It leaves me in a stupor, unable to focus, weak and sleepy.
Sounds a lot like living in sin. In the moment, no consideration is given to the ramifications of my behavior and action. In the moment, all that is considered is my selfish desire to do whatever I want that is in front of me that may seem awesome in the moment but what about the moment after. What is left after the selfish desire is acted upon and indulged? That weak stupor of knowing sin invades and takes over and pulls me out of the shelter of the Most High. It separates me from my Savior.
Thankful for the mercy of my Savior. He offers His children the opportunity to turn away and leave sin behind. He offers forgiveness and redemption from sin. He offers an eternal life in existence with Him.
Walk according to the pattern of Christ. Follow Him so closely nothing else has opportunity to sneak in and ruin your walk. Even that bowl full of sweetness.
