The Seven Deadly Sins – Gluttony

You make known to me the path of life,
in your presence is fullness of joy.
Lord turn my heart away from vices,
to a greater happiness Jesus employs.
These vices are not meant to crush,
but to reveal and help us to turn.
When we see the idols of our heart,
for our Lord and Savior more we yearn.
And even something as simple as food,
we take and use it to fulfill sinful pleasure.
When you offer us so much more than food,
than making the belly our God and treasure.
Gluttony is when we take food or drink,
and we use it to try and feel better.
It manifests in surprising ways,
this false god needs to be unfettered.
We eat too much, we love feeling full,
we push passed even if we feel sick.
Sugary, fatty, salty, whatever we crave,
doesn’t matter; as long as we get our fix.
The food industry doesn’t help us,
encouraging gluttony with their offers.
Your belly demands a sacrifice,
there are consequences to being a scoffer.
But alas this vice takes various forms,
because at heart is obsession with food.
Gluttony can be eating too little by choice,
anorexia, extreme dieting or rules.
In this case our god is still our belly,
the goal control, feeling better, in charge.
No joy, no freedom, just rule upon rule,
though on the outside we may not be large.
We make rules that God has not given,
we crave being pretty or thin.
And forget that our rest goes much deeper,
than any food we choose not to put in.
Another way gluttony displays,
is in eating and drinking too fast.
Overly concerned about having enough,
we shovel, inhale, until we’re gassed.
If we find that our plate is piled high,
and we wind up throwing food out.
Or overeating because we feel guilty,
it could be that gluttony is lurking about.
Food was created to be enjoyed,
to be tasted, delighted in, savored.
Not to consume in a greedily way,
taking the best with no thought for our neighbor.
Finally, gluttony’s appearance,
makes a debut in being too picky.
“I don’t want this, I don’t like this,
It’s gross, No no no, It’s icky!”
Parents we have to help our children,
stop giving them so many choices!
We’re encouraging gluttony in them,
when we cater to their picky voices.
Aside from gagging and intense aversions,
sorry, this is what you are eating.
You’ll save yourself some exhaustion,
by resisting their demands and pleading.
But adults we also need to watch ourselves,
we can also become gluttonously wired.
“All I want,” demands and specifics,
for our food and drink desires.
I want my food this way,
I want this little thing on the side.
Please make my fries extra crispy,
all I want, all I want creeps inside.
And just like our other vices,
let us always end with a solution.
True hope in the Gospel of Jesus,
where he declares over us absolution.
When we feel godly conviction,
and sense we need to grow.
More austerity and more rules,
will never deliver from any foe.
You must replace your lesser pleasure,
with a greater one by which you’re driven.
Your craving over food and drink,
is a spiritual craving God has given.
When you’re feeling empty,
turn to God more than what you eat.
While food satisfies for a little while,
fullness in Jesus is always complete.
Run to Jesus’ grace and love,
for satisfaction, rest, and peace.
For the greatest meal you’ll ever enjoy,
is promised at your heavenly feast.
He promises he’ll take care of you,
so you don’t have to hoard and take.
You have freedom not to demand,
but to receive with thankfulness your plate.
Eating should be done socially,
not always on the go or rushed.
Family dinners, fellowship, laughing,
as we enjoy food with a spirit of trust.
Resolve not to sneak food in secret,
be free to walk in the light.
God promises to help you if you ask,
it would be his joy and his delight.
Maybe giving up that something,
you find you’re always running to.
Fasting may cultivate contentment,
patience, poise, revealed, renewed.
Suffering before glory,
fasting before feasting.
This is in step with,
the Christian life we’re seeking.
Trusting God in how we relate,
in your presence there is so much in store.
To every enjoyment we undertake,
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.