Self-Control Starts at the Table
What comes to your mind when you hear the word self-control?
For some people, the first thought is often tied to sexuality.
And that’s understandable, because after all, self-control is definitely important when it comes to managing our sexual desires.
But here’s the thing: self-control isn’t limited to that area alone.
It stretches far beyond sexual matters and touches every part of our lives, one of which is the challenge of saying no to tasty food.
Imagine this…
You’re in church, not fully focused on the sermon, but already daydreaming about what you’ll eat once the service ends.
Your stomach growls like it wants to preach its own message, loud enough to compete with the pastor.
Yes, the struggle is real!
As you get home, the real test begins.
You’re greeted by a table full of delicious meals, whether prepared the night before or just that morning.
Suddenly, your house becomes a battlefield where your self-control is put to the test.
There’s the mouth-watering smell of fried chicken, beef bits, golden plantain slices, and a steaming pot of jollof rice—all accompanied by cold, refreshing drinks neatly arranged in the fridge.
And don’t forget the shawarma and barbecue, sitting there like a reward after a long day.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying good food.
But when food becomes all you think about, pushing aside everything else that matters, it becomes a warning sign.
Overindulging in food without practicing self-control can open the door to several health issues: weight gain, constant tiredness, and even a sense of spiritual disconnection.
God desires that we live full, joyful lives and enjoy His blessings, including tasty meals.
But He also calls us to be mindful, so we don’t become slaves to our cravings.
The truth is, when we lose self-control in the small things, it becomes easier to lose it in the bigger, more serious areas of life.
Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean that it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.
1 Corinthians 6:12
Telling Hunger Apart from Appetite
Do you know and understand the difference between hunger and appetite?
Hunger is your body’s natural signal—a physical discomfort that comes when you haven’t eaten for a while.
It’s your stomach’s way of saying, ‘I need fuel.’
Appetite, however, is quite different.
It’s the desire or craving for food, whether you’re physically hungry or not.
It’s a God-given gift meant to help us nourish our bodies, but only when used properly.
When appetite is unchecked, it leads to eating for the wrong reasons: emotional stress, boredom, or simply because the food is within reach.
And not because your body actually needs it.
For many of us, the real issue lies in discipline.
We allow food to rule us instead of the other way around.
Just because you’re young and your body doesn’t show immediate consequences doesn’t mean there won’t be a price later.
Poor eating habits now will eventually reflect in your health, energy levels, and even your weight.
If you’re honest with yourself, you probably know it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with food and take back control.
Eating with Purpose
Unlike many other temptations, the urge to overeat is one we face daily, because eating is necessary for survival.
God’s plan includes eating bountifully, but even in those moments, discernment matters.
We must pause and ask ourselves—Am I truly honoring God in the way I eat?
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
When we neglect them by constantly overeating or consuming without thought, we risk losing the strength, focus, and clarity needed to live purposefully and serve effectively.
God gave us food to enjoy, not to be ruled by.
When we find the balance between enjoyment and restraint, we treat food as a blessing.
Always remember: eating for sustenance is necessary, but gluttony is not.
Wisdom from God’s Word
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 uses the powerful image of a race to show what true discipline looks like.
Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.
All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
1 Corinthians 9:24–25
Just like athletes, who devote themselves to intense training so they can build the strength, endurance, and focus needed to win, we’re also called to live with purpose and self-control.
In the same way an athlete brings their body under control, we too must be intentional and committed in how we live.
Our goal isn’t just self-improvement—it’s to become more like Christ.
So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can develop the discipline needed to make wise choices in every area of life:
Our eating habits, sleep patterns, exercise routines, and daily lifestyle.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying food, drinks, or leisure.
But even good things can become harmful when they’re not kept in check.
Faithful Obedience
1 Corinthians 10:31 challenges us to approach even the simplest things like eating and drinking, with purpose.
Everything we do, including the way we handle food, should reflect our desire to honor God.
When we lack self-control, especially with food, it affects more than just our health.
It drains our energy and limits our ability to be fully effective in the roles God has called us to.
God has given us the freedom to enjoy all kinds of food.
So yes, enjoy His good gifts.
But never forget—your life is about more than food, and your stomach is not your master (Philippians 3:19).
So, the next time you’re faced with a spread of temptations, pause.
Aim for balance. Choose wisely.
Self-control is key.
Not just in big decisions, but in everyday moments like what we eat.
Ask God for strength, and He will help you grow in discipline and wisdom.
Keep walking in faith, growing in grace, living in obedience, and striving to live like Christ here on earth.
Maranatha!
Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
