Text:
Proverbs 23:1-8, Romans 14:20
Memory Verse:
“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:1&2).
Whether meat, seafood, grains, vegetables, fruits etc., food is more than a source of energy. It is a blessing from the Lord. When thescripture talks about food, it is not always talking about the
physical. Sometimes, it is talking about the spiritual. The spiritual food is something that most people neglect and that is why many are not healthy. The deepest need of man is not physical food, clothing and shelter; important as they are, man’s deepest need is God.
Gluttony is a widespread sin among Christians today. Many have a tendency to overindulge in the food which God has so graciously provided. We allow the sensual part of our God-given appetite to range us out of control and lead us into sin. We need to remember that, even our eating and drinking is to be done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
At a buffet organised by a highly esteemed Christian body, there was an individual whom I suspect was not used to eating in public. He grabbed two big plates and loaded them with food he would not be able to finish; probably because every food item on the table was attractive and looked tasty. He could not control his appetite and, of course, he became a laughing stock.
How do you behave when free food is available and you could take as much as you want? Always “put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite.”
Prayer Points:
1. Dear Lord God, please provide food, clothing and shelter for all who are in need.
2. Father, give me grace to control my appetite.
