Today's Devotional

November 29, 2002

Subject:  Guilt - Why Are You Eating So Much?

1Corinthians 8:7-9 - "Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge:  for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.  But meat commendeth us not to God:  for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.  But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak?" 

Okay, if the title itself conjured up feelings of guilt, then I suppose you are guilty in regard to yesterday's food fest that we call "Thanksgiving."  Of course the devotional is not simply about gluttony, but about the freedom we can have from the guilt that accompanies sin (gluttony).  Now, I'm not trying to make anyone feel any additional conviction, because most assuredly, everyone has enough of that already, but when you think about why we eat like we do on that day, could it possibly fall into the 'idol" category as the verse above indicates?  Could eating be a stumbling block for some?  Does food have control over us or do we control food?

When I put together a diet plan for most people, I often make the point that food is to fuel the body and that is its purpose.  However, because of the amazing wealth in our country, it is so much more than that.  Not that that in itself is wrong. The first church was told to break bread together, but when we get it out of perspective, then it leads to physical problems and hence can lead to spiritual problems.  I will spare you a diatribe on the connection today, but believe me, it is there.

So without bringing on more guilt today, analyze your diet and think about why you are eating what you are eating.  The Hebrew boys are a good study in diet and I'm not a vegetarian.  However, our conscience will be clean when we can conquer the control food has over us.  Who knows?  We could be worshipping that hamburger, fried chicken or apple pie.

Carlen