From Gluttony to Glory

There’s a battle waging every day—a quiet war fought not in public arenas but in the private corners of our hearts and homes. It’s a battle of appetites, of choices, of control. For many of us, it manifests most clearly in how we handle our bodies: what we consume, how we treat our health, how we steward the vessel God has given us.

Paul’s words in Galatians 5:22-23 shine a light on what victory looks like in this battle:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Notice the last fruit mentioned—self-control. It’s no coincidence that self-control closes the list. Without it, how can the other fruits consistently flourish? Without the discipline to turn from what destroys and turn toward what restores, we remain enslaved to impulses that pull us away from God's best.

The Root of Gluttony: More Than Food

When we hear the word gluttony, most of us think of overeating, and while that’s certainly one expression, gluttony runs deeper. At its core, gluttony is an excessive, uncontrolled indulgence—whether in food, drink, entertainment, comfort, or any earthly pleasure—that leads to spiritual dullness and physical decline.

Philippians 3:19 warns:
“Their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

Gluttony isn’t just a food issue. IT’S A WORSHIP ISSUE. It’s bowing to desire instead of bowing to Christ. It’s trading eternal joy for temporary satisfaction.

Why Physical Discipline Matters Spiritually

Many believers compartmentalize physical health as something separate from spiritual growth. But Scripture makes it clear: our bodies and spirits are intertwined. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Every decision—every bite, every habit, every indulgence—either reflects that reality or rejects it. The discipline of self-control in our physical lives serves as training ground for greater spiritual strength. It sharpens our ability to say “no” to sin and “yes” to God.

How the Spirit Grows Self-Control

Here’s the good news: Self-control isn’t sheer willpower. It’s a fruit—something cultivated by the Holy Spirit as we abide in Christ. But like any fruit, it requires pruning, attention, and practice.

Here’s how Galatians 5:22-23 provides a practical framework:

1. Abide Before You Act.
   Before rushing into rules or rigid discipline, anchor yourself in the love, joy, and peace that come from walking with Christ. A heart grounded in God's goodness will have the strength to resist fleeting desires. Self-control starts with abiding, not striving.

2. Start Small, Be Faithful.
   Self-control is like a muscle—it grows with use. Begin by surrendering one area of indulgence to God. Maybe it’s late-night snacking. Maybe it’s scrolling endlessly. Each time you choose discipline, the Spirit strengthens you for the next decision.

3. Replace, Don’t Just Remove.
   Gluttony leaves a void when uprooted. Fill that void with the other fruits of the Spirit. Replace overindulgence with purposeful service, meaningful relationships, and moments of prayer. The Spirit grows what you water.

4. Confess and Reset Quickly.
   You will fail. We all do. But self-control is not perfection—it’s persistence. Confess your slips, receive grace, and step forward again. God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The Goal: From Gluttony to Glory

Physical discipline is not about body image or asceticism. It’s about glory—reflecting God's character in how we treat the gift of our bodies and appetites.

As we lean on the Holy Spirit, self-control becomes a lens through which God’s glory shines more clearly. Our hearts are less entangled. Our minds are sharper. Our witness is stronger.

And we find that the less we bow to fleeting appetites, the more room we have for true joy, lasting peace, and an unshakable closeness with Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. What area of your life do you feel most out of control or indulgent in right now?

2. How can you practically surrender that area to God today?

3. Are there spiritual practices (prayer, fasting, community accountability) you can implement to help grow the fruit of self-control?