The Silent Sin: What Gluttony Reveals About Our Hearts — and How Fasting Transforms Us

Gluttony, defined as excessive eating or drinking, is a sin with deeply rooted causes that can ensnare us, making us prisoners to its power. One of the primary roots of gluttony is a lack of self-control. This deficiency allows the desire for food and drink to override our better judgment, leading to overindulgence. The Bible, in Philippians 3:19, speaks to this very issue, stating that some people "whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." This verse highlights the dangers of making our appetites our masters. Gluttony, in essence, erects an ungodly altar to food, elevating it to a position of worship. When our belly becomes our god, it inevitably leads to shame and ultimately displeases the Lord, who commands us to have no other gods before Him.

Having been delivered from the clutches of gluttony, I can personally attest to the transformative power of deliverance and the profound benefits of fasting. There was a time in my life when I was overwhelmed by an incredibly demanding schedule. The constant pressure of working tirelessly from dawn till dusk took a heavy toll on my spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The stress of life led to a breakdown in self-control and discipline, which quickly spiraled out of control and began to affect every aspect of my existence. I turned to food as a source of comfort, seeking solace in its temporary satisfaction. But in doing so, I allowed my belly to become my god, and my physical health suffered significantly. During this challenging period, I attempted to fast, but I repeatedly sabotaged my efforts by succumbing to gluttony immediately afterward, rendering my fasts ineffective. Please understand that how you break your fast and the way you spend your time in the period following the fast are just as important as the fast itself. I would eagerly anticipate the end of my fast, only to overeat to compensate for the missed meals, effectively negating any potential benefits.

One morning, filled with anticipation for my next meal, I went into the kitchen, opened the cabinet, and heard God speak to me with unmistakable clarity. He revealed to me that I was struggling with a food addiction. Deeply saddened by this realization, I surrendered my addiction to God in prayer, humbly asking for His help. I then commanded my body to come under the subjection of the Holy Ghost, relying on the power of the Spirit to overcome this weakness. Since that day, I have been able to fast effectively, experiencing the true benefits of this spiritual discipline.

For me, effective fasting has been instrumental in cultivating a deeper intimacy with God. Through this practice, I have experienced healing from past trauma and freedom from gluttony. I have been released from the burden of people-pleasing, and I have received invaluable instruction, alignment, and liberation.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own experiences with fasting. What challenges do you encounter when you fast? Do you find that you are able to fast effectively? Does God speak to you during your fasts, offering guidance and direction? Do you struggle with gluttony, finding yourself constantly drawn to excessive eating or drinking? Are you a stress eater, using food as a coping mechanism for anxiety and pressure? Do you possess the self-control necessary to resist the temptation of overindulgence? These are important questions to ask ourselves as you seek to grow in your relationship with God and overcome the sin of gluttony. Deliverance awaits you.