What's the one sin ministers never talk about, but is staring us all in the face?
If you're thinking homosexuality, it's a good guess. But that harmful, over-publicized behavior is far less prevalent than another sin of the flesh becoming epidemic in America.
It's obesity. And it's a growing problem, so to speak. One third of Americans are obese, as are 40 percent of middle-age people. Obesity among children has more than tripled since 1980 and is now around 20 percent. Among the reasons may be lack of exercise, fast food and too much Internet and television.
I don't take this lightly or intend to be insensitive. I know many people struggle with this, including the shame and frustration of wishing you were thinner and not being able to get there. There are millions of Americans who are affected and feeling hopeless about how they've let their appetites take control of their lives and bodies.
But if we keep avoiding naming the problem, it only gets worse and unresolved. And I believe there are ways out of the trap of overeating and the habits and thinking that get people there.
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And the first thing to recognize, Christians, is that gluttony is a sin. And before you scream or get too offended, I confess that I, too, am guilty of gluttony at times. I could easily eat that third piece of key lime pie with pleasure, or finish that bag of tortilla chips.
But it's wrong for me and wrong for you to do this habitually, knowing we are expanding and worse – developing tastes and desires that are out of control. Discipline is a worthy virtue and needs to be a factor in every part of our lives, so we are equipped for the good works God has prepared for us.
The older I get, the more I appreciate discipline and recognize its positive impact on being ready to accomplish God's will.
Our bodies don't need six pieces of pizza in one sitting (a particular weakness of mine). At least, my body doesn't. I have tried to justify it, but no – some Voice is still nudging me: "Get real. Is this really necessary?"
I bring this up because it's a noticeable cultural trend, and it is more than obvious that the problem is getting worse. Out-of-control dietary habits can also go hand-in-hand with other self-indulgent trends in our culture. Not always, but sometimes drugs, sex, alcohol, spending, and other addictions are present in the lives of the obese.
Stroll through any public gathering – a football game, the fair, the mall, the airport – and half the adult women and a third of the men are significantly overweight. The good news is that if this is you, you are hardly alone.
But what is the cause? Some researchers point to these influences:
1. More temptation
Fast food, eating out more often, convenience foods loaded with fat and carbs, sugary drinks and huge portions are the norm these days. The options are endlessly delicious and hard to avoid. If you visit Europe, you will immediately notice a difference: smaller portions and far less soda pop. And most people are thinner. (They also walk more.) It's all about habits and expectations, as well as product marketing. But ultimately, we still have the choice to indulge – or not.
2. Reduced physical activity
How many hours do you spend in front of the TV or computer? Even though gyms seem to be popular, people for the most part are less physically active. Some of it can be blamed on jobs, but not everything. We take fewer stairs, and consuming media is still the leisure activity of choice. A walk or some kind of physical activity every evening is a good routine to develop.
3. Eating as stress-reduction
Had a horrible day? Are your kids/boss/spouse/friends driving you crazy? The solution is clear: Eat an entire bag of caramel popcorn! But no. Not only do the problems remain unsolved, you have a new one – feeling bloated and five pounds heavier.
And eating is not a cure for depression. Yes, an entire carton of ice cream is fabulous. Are you happier the next day? Almost never.
So what can people do? First, we should all address items 1, 2 and 3 above and make some changes. A good place to start is just to get up and get active. And don't even buy snack foods or soda pop in the first place. Appetites that go far beyond the body's needs were developed slowly over time, so they can be undeveloped as well.
It isn't just a matter of vanity and self-discipline. It's a critical health issue. Obesity is a primary factor in over 300,000 deaths a year. And the associated health care and social costs are estimated at nearly $100 billion.
If politicians like Trump and Clinton are really serious about getting health-care costs under control, they would both propose a national obesity education program. Michelle Obama is to be congratulated for at least trying to do something, albeit imperfectly, in addressing childhood obesity.
But GOP or Democratic proposals are not likely to happen.
Voters don't want to hear the truth about this very personal, very tough issue.
But we all should, and especially as Christians, our desire should be to serve God with our best for as long as He gives us here on Earth.
Please pray about this and listen to where God leads you.
Media wishing to interview Linda Harvey, please contact [email protected].
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