We might define temptation as an indulgence of a natural tendency in the search for happiness. Often, people use the word addiction when the indulgence feels like it is completely beyond their control. The classic, religious definition of temptation involves the choosing of the way of self over the way of God. Keep that in the back of your mind, but for now, I will focus on the first definition.
Indulgence, in the case of overeating, is the consumption of any type of food well beyond the need of nourishment. Often, this involves overeating foods that are unnaturally attractive. Healthful consumption of food, however, allows for normal taste gratification and normal hunger satisfaction.
It goes without saying that eating is a natural tendency. There are strong physical reasons underlying the urge to eat and overeat. They will be examined in more detail later. These physical reasons seem to be stronger in some people than others, which partially accounts for why some people overeat and some do not. Many of us have a natural tendency to overeat, and modern life encourages those tendencies. Happiness is the goal, and the natural tendency is the means.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:13–14
Next: Reading #6 Part I
Everyday Food and Faith by Vicki Arkens
