Overindulgence
There are many forms of overindulgence. It can be with alcohol, food, sports, exercise, sex, money, or even thinking too much. It can occur in a variety of different ways with a variety of different things (Gal. 5:19-21). It is anything that is out of balance or not done in moderation.
For example, the pagans of long ago who were worshiping Satan knowingly or unknowingly, practiced overindulgence in their orgiastic feasts. We have all heard of how they used to stuff themselves with food, and then, tickle their throats with a feather, which would make them regurgitate the food they had just eaten. They did this so they could start over and eat more (Phil. 3:19; 1 Cor. 10:31; Prov. 23:2).
When we were in the flesh, we were all ignorant of God and His righteous Ways that He desired us to live. As a result, we were living in the flesh to please the flesh, whether it was eating, drinking or thinking. It was whatever we made excuse for in our lives, that was out of balance. These things can become idols, and we don’t even realize it. Idolatry is simply excessive attachment or devotion to anything in our lives. When we are in the flesh, we have no reason strong enough for us to want to practice self-control, have balance or moderation in our lives (Rom. 8:5,13).
Then we discovered the truth, when God revealed His word to us through His Holy Spirit. It was revealed to us that we should practice godliness daily by living for God, who is the Spirit. It was revealed to us that we should discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness daily if we were to be pleasing to God and thus be blessed by Him (Rom. 8:9). God and His Ways are to be first in our lives now, above all else.
If we, then, would stop living to the flesh and indulging in the flesh with all its corrupt desires, and only live for God or the Spirit, He would give us His Spirit of power so that nothing could stand in our way. We would be putting to death all those areas in our lives that are in excess. Sin would no longer have dominion over our bodies because of God’s indwelling Spirit, which He gives only to those who are trying to obey Him (Col. 3:5). We would then come out of condemnation because we would be on the path of recovery, reconciliation and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
Wouldn’t it be something if God blessed a person with every good thing and he died of being overweight, because he refused to tell himself “NO” in that area of his life? Ask God to help you shed a few pounds, and He will do it (Mark 10:27). If you try, God will supply. Continually do what you can, and then God can come in to give you what you are lacking. This goes for anything you are struggling with, or having a hard time overcoming in your life.
Learn to fast for God to receive more strength. It is truly a meaningful way to humble yourself before God and ask for His help (Matt. 6:16; Is. 58:5-6). God has chosen fasting to break every yoke, every sin, every bad habit that is holding us in bondage. It is a spiritual resource He has given us in His Word, to draw close to Him, especially in times of need.
We were called when we were sinners (Mark 2:17). Living the repentant Way, we can easily overcome everything that exalts itself against Jesus Christ our Savior, our Redeemer, our sustainer, our everything! With His Spirit we can overcome the world like Jesus gave us example to do (John 16:33). Then we won’t be hurt in the second death or have our names erased from the book of life (Rev. 2:11; 3:5).
If we endure to the end, keeping Jesus Christ’s works, we will rule the nations of this earth with Him when He returns (Rev. 2:26-27). Jesus wants us to overcome the same Way He overcame—by keeping His works. He even said many of us would do greater works than He did (John 14:12). These are the works that God the Father gave His Son to do on this earth so He could be our example. Jesus’ sayings are God’s Will. That is why we are to keep them if we are to never die (John 8:51).