Hunger and Self-Control

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. (Proverbs 25:28)

It was only a generation ago that my ancestors lived in the outskirts of Napoli, Italy. The southern segment of the newly unified country were farmers and community tradesmen, unlike their cosmopolitan neighbors to the north. During the unification of Italy around 1865, the south did not fare as the north. Famine and poverty led to the Italian diaspora, the large-scale emigration of Italians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Approximately 30 million Italians left the country, many to the United States. My grandparents were among them.

So I assume my grandparents were no strangers to hunger. But I am. I have never known what it is like to not be able to have food available to eat. Actually, there has always been too much food around. We struggle to finish left-overs before they go bad. The refrigerator is often so full we can't fit it all in. Our pantry is overflowing with non-perishable food. And yet, each week, we go out to buy more.

The food stores are just as bad. They are full of so many varieties, it is difficult to decide. The "goodies" and processed foods that bring comfort and convenience to us are always stocked and prominently displayed. Candy is arranged along the check out line. 

We abound in tempting, unhealthy choices. And if we are too busy (or lazy) to go to the store, food will be delivered right to our door. 

Is it any wonder we are overweight? Or should say I am.

But hunger did not wound my grandparents. It seemed to only make them stronger and more determined to make the long and difficult journey to American to start a new life. 

Just because I feel hungry, that does not mean I have to eat. "Have to" is the operative phrase here. It feels like something inside is making me eat. It is forcing me. It is beyond my control. But that is not true. There is this thing called self-control. It is actually a fruit of the Holy Spirit, given to me because I trust in Jesus to save me. I trust Him not only to save me but to sanctify me, that is, make me more like Him, day by day. 

Just because there is chocolate cake on the table, or ice cream in the freezer and I want it, that does not mean I have to eat it though it seems to be calling my name. There is this tool of self-control I can use to redirect my thoughts to something else.

Just because the hostess offers me cookies, does not mean I have to eat one (or three!) There is this gift of self control. I can say no.

Hunger is not only a signal to eat to satisfy ourselves. It can also be an opportunity to practice self-control.

It becomes more than a diet, but a process that can sanctify us, making us not merely skinny women, but holy women.  

Beloved, this is easy to type, but hard to do. Indeed it is impossible without Your grace. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want to become not merely a skinny woman, but one with more self-control, more like You.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14)