The Interconnectedness of Sin

The Importance of Disciplined Eating

It is good to note that sins do not come as isolated incidents in people's lives. All sin is unified in its rebellion against God and His law. When a person is rebellious in one area it often overflows into other areas as well. Thus the lists of sins that are often given in the epistles of the Bible, for example, "Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy" (Rom. 13:13, also Gal. 5:19-21, etc...).

One of these connections is that of gluttony and drunkenness (lack of self-control and thankfulness in food) and that of sexual immortality (lack of self-control and thankfulness in sexual relations). It is easy to think being undisciplined in eating habits isn't a big deal, and the only result is that you might gain a few pounds. But being undisciplined in eating often comes from the same foundational problem that may manifest itself in sins (like sexual immortality) with more immediately drastic consequences (like death, Prov. 2:18-19; 7:21-27). We see this connection of sins in 1 Corinthians 10:7-8, "Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, 'The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.' We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day."

As Christians our response ought to be one like Paul when he said, "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:27). Because of the Spirit's work in our lives, instead of manifesting the fruits of our fallen nature such as "sexual immorality...sensuality...drunkenness, orgies, and things like these" (Gal. 5:19-21), we ought to manifest the fruits of the Spirit such as "joy" and "self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23). May we realize the importance of the habits we form on a day-to-day basis with our diets. May we be intentional with what we do and thankful for what God has given us. May our eating and drinking be done in the fear and joy of God.