Jesus says “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23 NKJV) This means that, according to Scripture, all true, actual, practicing, growing, followers of Christ will practice self-denial. Right?

Right. And sometimes that means making difficult choices.

For overweight and obese individuals who claim to love and follow Jesus this means making the intentional choice to diet, exercise, take smaller portions, and give up certain foods. They need to pray for strength to be thin like Jesus was. This is a daily, constant pursuit.

Godliness and gluttony are mutually exclusive states. We can NOT be constantly obese and consistently godly at the same time. Ellen White, a 19th century health reformer, wrote often about gluttony and godliness:

“It is impossible for any to enjoy the blessing of sanctification while they are selfish and gluttonous.” (Counsels on Diet and Food, 164)

“God cannot let his Holy Spirit rest upon those who are enfeebling themselves by gluttony.” (Review and Herald, 1883, No. 19)

“Professed Christians eat…, and become gluttons…, to gratify appetite, and still talk of overcoming as Christ overcame!” (Confrontation, 84)

If you struggle with obesity and overeating, God can give you strength to deny gluttony and become godly.

(This article is part of a series on gluttony. View: <Previous Next>)