Proverbs 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
Whenever we hear or read about some pathetic or extreme case of unnatural human deviance that cause us to shudder, we often wonder how did they get to that particular point of grossness in their life. Where did the appetite for binge sinning begin?
Appetites come in all sizes and for all things. Overindulgence, gluttony, ravenous cravings, wanting more and more of whatever it is. This type of behavior should not be a surprise to us and yet it always stuns our human emotions and psyche when outrageous deviance is seen as normal by some.
The Apostle Paul warned us this would happen. 2 Tim. 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What is interesting about the above list of short-comings is that if anyone starts tasting these sins and keeps eating away at this menu, it will eventually turn into an appetite for more. The problem with appetite is that it can get out of control. Before you know it you are snared by its demanding need to be fed continually and addictions, obsessions, and fetishes become commonplace.
Appetites come in all sizes and for all things. Overindulgence, gluttony, ravenous cravings, wanting more and more of whatever it is. This type of behavior should not be a surprise to us and yet it always stuns our human emotions and psyche when outrageous deviance is seen as normal by some.
The Apostle Paul warned us this would happen. 2 Tim. 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What is interesting about the above list of short-comings is that if anyone starts tasting these sins and keeps eating away at this menu, it will eventually turn into an appetite for more. The problem with appetite is that it can get out of control. Before you know it you are snared by its demanding need to be fed continually and addictions, obsessions, and fetishes become commonplace.
In context, the proverb that says, “And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” is telling us to get a strong control over what we are being controlled by. The little quirk or problem in control of your life right now may be as small as a mustard seed but can grow into a massive and overwhelming deviant behavior that will cause great hurt and loss later on in life. James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.15 Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.
Jesus taught that it was important to deal severely with what had control of your heart, other than God Himself. Jesus uses an extreme example. Matt. 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Ouch! That seems drastic. The Lord was saying, “Cut off, stop doing what is causing you to sin over and over again. It might be uncomfortable and hard going, but on a scale of eternity it is well worth it.” One of the weapons of our warfare is that we can say, “By the grace of God I will overcome this recurring sin.” Having the power and grace of God working with us is the only way we will have victory in our lives.
Jesus taught that it was important to deal severely with what had control of your heart, other than God Himself. Jesus uses an extreme example. Matt. 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Ouch! That seems drastic. The Lord was saying, “Cut off, stop doing what is causing you to sin over and over again. It might be uncomfortable and hard going, but on a scale of eternity it is well worth it.” One of the weapons of our warfare is that we can say, “By the grace of God I will overcome this recurring sin.” Having the power and grace of God working with us is the only way we will have victory in our lives.
Developing a good appetite for the things of God is what we are moving toward. 1 Cor. 12:31a But earnestly desire the best gifts. We are to develop taste buds for what brings us closer to God in relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit helps us grow a good appetite for the things of God by helping us develop the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
My friend Monique Levesque says, “The more of the Holy Spirit we have permeating every inch of our inner-being, the less likely there will be room for any evil spirit to move in and raise havoc. The greater the capacity the Holy Spirit has in our hearts, the less influence the demonic will have on us because the fullness of God will be our appetite and desire. Only God can feed our eternal hunger and that is with the bread of His life, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.”
Yes, put a knife to your throat if you are a person given to unnatural and lewd appetites. Deal severely with that bondage and come out from that mess by asking God for His help. Therefore, if it is God we really want giving our souls the spiritual nutrition needed to live a vibrant and blessed life, then we should develop an appetite for the truth of God’s word and become the sons and daughters He created us to be.
In Jesus name. 2 Cor. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. So I say to you all, “Bon appétit.”
In Jesus name. 2 Cor. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. So I say to you all, “Bon appétit.”
Bon appétit to you too:)