Ten Sins That We Now Take Less Seriously - Part Five
He leads me …
In the previous four blogs we have had a look at how some recognised sins in the first half of the 1900’s were progressively ignored. People’s way of life changed, and their standards became laid-back.
One of the key changes was the loss of manners. Manners let others see that we cared about them, and this enabled everyone to feel comfortable in social situations. We saw that this was a practical application of, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ as taught by Jesus in Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12.
Manners covered many aspects of life, but they came down to some basic principles of etiquette - consideration, respect, and honesty.
A downturn with these values led to a more ‘enlightened’ way of life in the 1960’s.[1] Changes to our general behaviour were in progress. This meant that the Ten Commandments which is the basis of most of our laws were being progressively disregarded. The ‘sins of the flesh’ listed in Galatians 5, were being ignored too.
Previously we have looked at buying lotto tickets, swearing, Game of Thrones, sex before marriage, the inappropriate joke, idolatry and alcohol, but there are still some sins that have become forgotten that we should look at too.
Let us look at some more examples –
8. Gluttony
Gluttony is the sin associated with an unhealthy indulgence, usually with food, but also with other things that bring pleasure. It is not just eating to excess, but it can also include drinking, screen time, lustful thoughts and behaviours – basically any obsessive love of self-indulgence. It is creating an idol out of something material, which we feel we must have more of.
We could say that gluttony is when we consume more of anything than we should. It is refusing to say, ‘I have had enough.’
There is a caution. We are not talking about those with medical conditions. Please read this with that in mind.
The accepted image of gluttony is often one of a person visibly, openly, consuming food and drink and bearing the hallmarks of that indulgence, such as being lustful, overweight, and drunk. However, there are people who do not fit this stereotype. In daily life, gluttony begins in the heart, where someone begins to love a physical gratification more than they should.[2]
According to Roman Catholics, there are seven deadly sins which are actions or attitudes that encourage more sin. They are usually listed as - pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. The consequences of gluttony can be many and serious. Physically, it can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Mental problems such as depression and anxiety are also possible. From a spiritual point of view, gluttony can drive followers away from God and His calling, making them slaves to their material desires instead.[3]
Our culture turns food into something of an edible art form and an idol, and yet we do not appear capable of dispensing it so that everyone can have enough. Maybe this is why the Bible talks seriously about gluttony. Should we question why we do not share our concern for an overweight church leader when other sins like sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:9) or lying to the congregation (Acts 5) would see him excommunicated?
Gluttony is the over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink and/or affluence. We could say that gluttony is when we consume more of anything than we should. It is refusing to say, ‘I have had enough.’
There is a caution. We are not talking about those with food allergies or other medical conditions. Please read with that in mind.
Living with a balanced and controlled diet, thankfulness for all of God’s provisions, and keeping within Biblical boundaries is living appropriately. It is alright, however, to pamper ourselves once in a while, as long as it is not detrimental to us, others, or our testimony.[4]
9. Caffeine addiction
Caffeine is one of the world’s most widely used drugs. It is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola drinks, chocolate, fermented beverages (kombucha), and some dietary supplements and medications.
The arguments for and against caffeine consumption are often debated. Most people know that drinking caffeine in moderation is regarded as safe, while consuming too much caffeine can cause adverse reactions.
Caffeine is addictive because of the way that the drug affects the human brain and produces the alert feeling that people crave. Soon after Caffeine is consumed, it’s absorbed through the small intestine and dissolved into the bloodstream.
Research suggests 400 mg per day is acceptable for most people, but it does depend on our body size and metabolism. The Ministry of Health recommends having no more than 7 cups of tea or instant coffee per day or 3 single shot espresso coffees per day.
People living with mental health diagnoses like major depression, bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, or thought disorders should establish what the effects of caffeine are on their mental health and discuss their concerns with their healthcare specialist.[5]
Christians are quick to condemn addiction to alcohol and tobacco but tend to ignore other more ‘socially acceptable’ addictions such as eating too much and caffeine. Caffeine might not seem as bad as alcohol or tobacco, but ‘it’s not as bad as…’ is not a credible standard that Christians should live by. Instead, Christians should live by ‘Is it right? Does it honour the Lord?’[6]
It is not good to be controlled by any substance. It then becomes our master because we cannot live without it. There should only be one master of our lives – and that is Jesus.
Dear Reader – If you have found some value in this blog, please feel free to send a copy on to your family and friends. Kind regards, John
[1] Definition of Etiquette, Emily Post, emilypost.com;
https://emilypost.com/advice/definition-of-etiquette
[2] What Is Gluttony, and Is it a Sin? Bethany Verrett, BibleStudyTools.com;
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-gluttony-and-is-it-a-sin.html
[3] The 7 Deadly Sins: Understanding Their Meaning and How to Avoid Them, Palais du Rosaire, Lourdes, France;
[4] What Is Gluttony, and Is it a Sin? Bethany Verrett, BibleStudyTools.com;
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-gluttony-and-is-it-a-sin.html
[5] Caffeine, NZ Nutrition Foundation;
https://nutritionfoundation.org.nz/caffeine/
[6] Is Caffeine Addiction a Sin? GotQuestions.org;
