LITTLE ROCK — DEAR REV. GRAHAM: What’s the difference between just enjoying our food and being a glutton? I heard somewhere that the Bible condemns gluttony, but does that mean it’s wrong to enjoy good food? Where do you draw the line?
- H.H.
DEAR H.H.: No, it’s not necessarily wrong to enjoy good food, or anything else God has given us for our good. The Bible says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).
After all, God gave us the ability to enjoy good things. Would Hehave done this if He didn’t want us to appreciate them? What would our lives be like if we didn’t have taste buds or the ability to sniff a fragrant rose? A dog doesn’t enjoy a beautiful sunset, butwe do. A fish can’t enjoy good music, but we can.
The problem is that we easily misuse God’s gifts and turn them into something harmful, or even evil. Food is good, but when it becomes our master, it becomes bad. This is why the Bible condemns gluttony. The Bible reminds us that “a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19).
Don’t let this happen to you - with food, or anything else. Instead, make Christ the center of your life, and commit everything you do to Him - with thanksgiving.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the Web site at
ActiveStyle, Pages 24 on 12/28/2009