Overcoming Obesity

I recently stumbled upon a news article about an obese cat weighing in at an incredible 39 pounds. The story seemed to fuel lots of jokes, ridicule and speculation across the globe about the cat and its owner. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts by skilled veterinarians, the cat is reported to have died of respiratory failure.

This animal obesity is symptomatic of a much greater problem. Obesity in America has been at epidemic levels for some time, despite the overwhelming national and international emphasis on health, nutrition, weight loss, diet and exercise. We have been literally inundated by the media with programs, commercials, talk shows, etc. dealing with the subject of weight loss. Yet the problem seems to be getting worse.

According to recent statistics, America ranks number eight in the world when it comes to obesity. Obesity, if you didn’t know, is a global issue affecting many nations. Despite the best efforts by the “experts”, the continual trend towards higher levels of obesity has not waned. This is because we have approached this issue as purely a physical one instead of recognizing the spiritual implications.

When domesticated animals and even nature itself begin to experience the same symptoms, we are dealing with a spiritual issue. Sin has a way of infecting everything it comes into contact with, which is why the first “cleansing” by water was necessary during the time of Noah and the flood. Everything under the heavens was cleansed – including the land, air, animals and vegetation – due to the effects of sin upon creation. Animals especially are prone to taking on the character of their masters, which is why more and more animals are becoming obese and being afflicted with some of the same diseases plaguing humans.

Being fat is not a sin. I firmly believe that God loves variety, which is why He created some of us to be tall or short, fat or skinny. Natural genetics can have a lot to do with how we look. But obesity is a different matter altogether. It is the result of a sinful self-indulgence that is as destructive to our inner man as it is to our outward human flesh. Trying to approach or correct it from a “clean the outside of the cup” mentality only addresses the symptoms without getting to the core of the matter, thus only masking it or causing it to be manifested in some other area such as vanity.

When we clean the inside of the cup we get to the core, because everything that comes out is a result of what is within. Whether the indulgence is food, alcohol, games, toys, sex or whatever, it is sin. Instead of constantly indulging ourselves, our attitude should be to love and help others while denying ourselves (Matt. 16:24). You will find that embracing such an attitude is extremely liberating and empowering.The apostle Paul said it this way:

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8 NKJV).

Diet and exercise are only mildly beneficial. Note again that there is benefit, but the benefit is quite minimal and temporal. Godliness, however, speaks of an outward reverence, devotion or character that is the result of an inner reality, the benefits of which are far reaching and all encompassing, both in this life as well as that which is to come.

If we want to overcome obesity we have to address the inner man as the source of our behavior, character or problem. And when the behavior and character are changed, we ultimately change the person and standard of life on every level that really matters.

Prophetic Considerations

The fatness (obesity) being seen and experienced in various sectors or nations globally is reminiscent of a principle found in a dream given to the Pharaoh of ancient Egypt. In the dream where seven fat cows emerged and were eaten by seven thin or bony cows was a prophetic warning that a time of plenty would soon be overshadowed by a time of lack (Gen. 41:1-4; 26-30).

Nations that continue in their self-indulgence without repentance, or unwise stewardship of their nation’s resources, will soon find themselves on the opposite end of the spectrum where there is drought, famine and lack. The spirit of self-indulgence will act as the thin, bony cows that eat up the fatness of the plenty. Just like in the housing bubble that burst a few years ago, there will be widespread panic as people are forced to cut back and ration on things they previously enjoyed without restraint.

There are some nations rejoicing and somewhat blinded or drunken by the abundance they are experiencing at present, but there is a time coming when things are going to quickly change. The earth, the waters and the air will not continue to yield for some as it once did, causing a shift in policies, a shift in power and a shift in people.

For the sheep nations who fear the Lord and commit themselves to helping the hungry, thirsty, naked and needy will come divine favor and prosperity. God will provide for those who have provided for His own (Matt. 25:31-46).