The Belly God

I was in the store this afternoon picking up a few things I needed. It was a few hours past lunch and I was getting hungry. I have been trying to eat healthier the last couple of weeks and I guess my body was having withdrawals. I saw something on the shelf I knew I didn't need and started to put it in my shopping cart. Right at that moment a phrase of scripture came to my mind: whose God is their belly. I knew immediately what the Spirit was saying so I put the junk food back and moved on. I passed the test that time. I must admit, however, that it is one of the few times I have.

The scripture here is talking about man's appetites. If there was ever a generation whose God is its appetite, it is this one. The average American spends two or three hours a day watching tv and eating junk food all the while. We are consumed with the newest technology, the latest movie, and the latest fashions. People will stand in line all night to buy a video game for their children. "Whose God is their belly". . .

The scripture goes on to say that they glory in their shame. Without the Spirit of God to help us all of will give into our basest desires. The more we do, the more vile they become. What once was considered shameful is now paraded in the streets as decent and courageous. We wonder how we came to this place; how did America fall so far? It is because our appetites have become our God. We are ruled by what makes us feel good. It is a dangerous place to be because the more we entertain the flesh, the more we want to entertain it and the more evil it becomes.

Do you wonder why you don't desire to pray like you once did? Why is the study of scripture no longer appealing? Maybe you find yourself falling asleep in church but can stay awake all night watching a movie? It may be time to curb your appetite. I am the guiltiest of all. I realize their is a constant battle with the flesh and I must keep it under subjection to the spirit of God daily. If I don't it will win every time.

Lord, help me to remember that my body is the temple of your spirit. I must keep myself holy, both physically and spiritually. I have said that I will serve only you. Don't let me pay homage to the belly God.

Prayerfully,

Sullivan Jones