Taking care of yourself... really necessary?

I've been confronted with this issue, mainly through my own personal struggles with either over-eating or blatant disregard for my health. Do we not know that our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit? I'm speaking as a broken, messed-up person... and it's only because I struggle with it that I feel I can address it.

There are a couple of things gluttony (overeating/overindulgence) causes:

1. Distraction from God

• Anything that is not drawing attention or praise to God is drawing it away from Him

2. Health issues

• regularly consuming an overage of calories (or the wrong kind of calories) could cause anything from simple lethargy and laziness (see Prov. 10:4-5) to heart problems and organ failure.

3. Idolatry

• Proverbs 23-talks about gluttony, drunkenness, and stinginess.

• It also speaks on being given to appetite... even mentions PUTTING A KNIFE TO YOUR THROAT if appetite overcomes you!!!

Why should I take care of myself?

• Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinth. 6:19-20)

• We should do everything for God's glory (1 Corinth. 10:31)
• 1 Corinth. 9:26-27 describes Paul as disciplining his body to win a race. This also included being self-controlled and alert (1 Peter 5:8). The Devil FEEDS on the opposite!!
• Self-control (could apply to food, etc.) is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:23)

Sorry to be long-winded, but I've got a burden in my heart for discipline, motivation, and diligence. Please join me in praying for my quest (as well as yours) for discipline and overcoming gluttony!

Love you all!
Michael Griffin