Gluttony is the sin of overindulgence. We often associate it with excessive eating and drinking, but at its core it is an addiction to anything that provides a fix. It may be drugs, alcohol, food, cigarettes, exercise, sex, shopping, work or video games. Gluttony consumes to the point that it takes priority over relationships, family, serving God sleeping, etc. It will lead a person to willingly sacrifice their physical, emotional and spiritual health. In a society whose mantra is “if it feels good do it”, gluttony is a problem.

Scriptures
2 Pe 2:19; Ec 11:4, 4:9-10; Lam 3:40; Ps 32:4-5; Pr 27:1, 19:3, 4:26-27, 4:23; Ro 6:12-13; 13:14, 12:2; Jn 10:10; Phil 4:8; Js 5:16; Gal 6:1-2; 1 Cor 10:13

Verse
They (false teachers) promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for we are slaves of anything that has conquered us. (2 Pe 2:19)

Thought
The Holy Spirit will help break the bad power that gluttony holds over you. B Begin Today! Tomorrow never comes. R Review your life. Take inventory. Examine how and where you spend your time and money. E Eliminate excuses. Own the problem. Don’t blame anyone or anything. A Abandon control to God. Fear often keeps us from giving it all to God. But He wants to give us an abundant life (Jn 10:10). Giving it all to Him is the only way to gain freedom. K Know your temptation. Stay away from the people and places that cause you to be tempted. I Imagine something better. See yourself in a better place because you are taking the steps needed to overcome your problem. Refocus your mind on things that are good (Ph 4:8). Your life is shaped by your thoughts (Pr 4:23) so manage your mind. N Navigate with support. Accountability is a key to success. Find a person or group to encourage and support you on this journey to freedom. G Gear up with God. God will be there beside you giving you strength and courage if you will lean on Him.

Questions
In what area of your life do you tend to be excessive? In what way is excessive behavior affecting your health or your relationships with others and with God? What needs to change? If you start today, what is the first step?

Response
After assessing your life, you not only need to deal with the emotional and spiritual aspect of your problem, but also with the physical changes needed. For some that may mean getting professional help. There are clinics, detox programs, 12 step programs, and many other helpful tools to guide you toward wholeness and freedom.

Prayer
Dear God, you created me to live life abundantly with freedom in you. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Strengthen me as I begin to break the bad of excess in my life in the area of ______. Please guide me and have mercy on me as I humbly bring my weakness to you. Allow your power and presence to fill my life as I walk this path of change. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.