“Don't associate with those who drink too much
wine, or with those who gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and
the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags.”
Proverbs 23:20-21

Is obesity a sin? Could eating too much or not exercising be put in
the same category as lying or stealing in the eyes of God? Are all
overweight people gluttons or are there some individuals who are victims of
their own indulgences? “But I say, walk by the Spirit,
and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” Gal. 5:16 Obesity is one
of the fastest growing health risks in America. In 2003 the Center For
Disease Control declared obesity as the most serious health risk facing
this country. Christians today have great concern with terrorist
attacks, loss of lives by random acts of violence, and loss of one’s
home due to illegal mortgage practices that there hasn’t been much
attention paid to the church’s lack of a healthy lifestyle. Could it
possibly be that the body of Christ has been unable to make a strong
attempt to take on the ills of society because the body is fatigued and too
out of shape to fight? A new study recently published by PurdueUniversity
Professor Ken Ferraro examined the relationships between religion and
both body mass index (BMI) and obesity. The study found that church
members tend to be more overweight than the general population. It is not
in question that America has the highest degree of obesity in the
world, yet those who read scripture, pray often, and fast regularly are
leading in the U.S. in obesity related diseases (i.e. type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and some cancers) and deaths. “If any man
destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple
of God is holy, and that is what you are.” 1 Cor. 3:17

Gluttony is one of the seven Capital Sins and is so prevalent in this
society that the sin has become the number one killer in the nation.
Christians have to reach a point where they can be honest and
acknowledge that obesity is caused by eating too much food and not exercising
properly and/or enough. It takes 3,500 calories to add one pound of fat to
a human body (Confessions of The Personal Trainer by Siddiqu Muhammad),
so when a person gains excess weight it is because he or she is
overindulging in one aspect or another.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is
common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of
escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” I Cor. 10:13

Solution
First pastors need to take an honest look at themselves, and ask this
question, “Am I setting a healthy example for my community?” The
start has to begin with the head of the church, and then the members of
the church will follow. Next, the church and health and fitness
professionals have to work together to take this situation on. The problem
stems from a lack of knowledge and the most knowledgeable individuals in
the community on exercise and eating healthy may not be in the church.
Pastors should be in regular contact with personal trainers,
nutritionists, and doctors in order to gather information and guide the members of
the church. Lastly, there has to be a movement past the fear of
offending a member in the church because they are overweight. If there was
someone stealing from the church would there be a hesitation to
confront that person? If you feel this example is too extreme then read the
statistics below.

It has been estimated that the annual costs associated with
overweight and obesity in the U.S. are just under $123 billion. This estimate
includes more than $64 billion in direct health care costs for
preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services and almost $59 billion for
indirect costs such as wages lost by people who are unable to work and future
earnings lost because of premature death. (Economic Cost of Obesity and
Obesity-Related Chronic Diseases Facts and Figures)

“$33 billion annually (is spent) on weight loss products and
services. This figure represents consumer dollars spent in the early 1990s
on all efforts at weight loss or weight maintenance including low
calorie foods, artificially sweetened products such as diet sodas, and
memberships to commercial weight loss centers.”

Obesity is eroding the church from the inside out and if we do not
act now then God will not allow us to receive the blessings that he has
awaiting us.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad
that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many." Mt.7:13

Siddiqu Muhammad is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified
personal trainer, NFPT (National Federation of Personal Trainers)
certified personal trainer and a Division 1 Athletic Strength and Conditioning
coach. To view more of Chicago Fit 4 Life’s eating and training
philosophy visit www.cf4life.com