Dear Reader,

This topic comes to you by way of a request from one of our readers. Since no direction was indicated as to what exactly was being questioned, we will look briefly at some eating disorders and gluttony.

The two most common eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia. The first is the condition of a continuous abnormal hunger, where the second is the opposite, or a chronic lack of appetite for food. Both can be fatal, and usually require medical attention, more so in later stages. Proper diagnosis should be done by professional medical/psychological personnel, and is outside the scope of this paper. However, we would note that eating disorders should not be ignored on any grounds, and that the individual suffering from the disorder need not feel embarrassed by the need for help. As believers in Christ, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 6:19), and we have the responsibility of being good stewards of these temples. Since we live in a world of illnesses and physical problems, positive action on our part is often required. And let us not forget that we serve a God who is able to bring healing to body, soul, and spirit, by His divine power.

There are some other disorders that fall under the broad categories listed above. Some have an aversion to gaining weight, and so do not eat properly, or, if they do consume food, they try to counter the possibility of a weight gain by regurgitation or using laxatives. On the other hand, some persons eat because of a reaction to stress or other mental duress. In these cases, eating becomes an addiction that gains control of the will, as does any other addiction. Here again, medical/professional help may be needed, and the individual certainly can engage in prayer for the help of the Lord in the situation they are facing.

Over-eating, or gluttony, is another problem facing many persons on the North American scene. Many of us have an abundance of food, and the abundance of places to eat, and we take advantage of the availability. Perhaps the most important aspect of this problem is the need for discipline of the will and appetite, and the need to learn healthier lifestyles. The Apostle Peter, in his second letter to the Early Church, chapter 1, verse 6, tells us that we are to add temperance to our knowledge (KJV). We know we shouldn’t eat so much, or should leave some things out of our diets altogether, but disciplining our bodies along the lines of physical appetite is a demanding discipline indeed. One of the ways we can strengthen our resolve is to do some fasting. If a medical condition exists, one may need to consult a physician, but even then, there are ways to fast that do not jeopardize our health. In fact, many medical practitioners recommend fasting as a way to improve health. And don’t forget the spiritual benefits, too!

Without knowing the specifics of the request for this topic, I would also just mention eating patterns that reflect the diet of the Jewish people as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. While we recognize that the prohibitions given to the Israelites were peculiar to that setting, we also recognize that the diet God prescribed has a number of physical benefits. While the Christian Church consumes numerous food items that were not part of the Jewish diet, there is the awareness of the critical need to exercise temperance in whatever we eat.

And don’t forget, if you are suffering from an eating disorder, seek help from God and from professional services as necessary.

Thanks for reading,
Pastor Ritchey