Sins Of Appetite
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Many people attempt to fill an inner emptiness or void by indulging the desire of their flesh through sins of appetite--drunkenness, drugs, impulsive eating or buying, improper relationships or sexual immorality.

In a broad sense, this attempt is a form of the practice of idolatry. In his heart, a person sets up the object of his desire--the drink, the food, the illicit relationship, the pornography or sexual encounter--as being able to fill the void and provide soul-satisfaction. This is akin to making an image and then bowing down and serving it.

Scripture equates idolatry with covetousness or greed (Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5), which is defined as "a desire to have more." By it's nature, the practice of idolatry says that one deserves to be satisfied and that what God is giving is not enough. Therefore one turns to the idol which offers "more."

Clearly, this is a deception, for God knows what we need. He says to seek Him and His kingdom first. Then He promises to supply us with all we truly need--not what we crave--to be complete and to do His will (Matthew 6:33). 

"No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11 KJV).

God understands the human experience of appetite and the longing of the soul. Therefore He graciously counsels us using terms of "hunger" and "thirst" to turn to Him to receive.

He says: 

"Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat.... Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live..." (Isaiah 55:1-3 NASV).

God knows that we need, not more of the world and the flesh, but more of Him. Attempting to fill an inner emptiness by indulging the desire of the flesh never brings real fulfillment or lasting satisfaction. Instead, it produces guilt, greater emptiness, and deeper bondage to sin.

The person who is trying to fill a void through sin must repent of pursuing the "more" he believes he doesn't have but needs and deserves. God's counsel for him is to forsake the idols of his heart, to turn to the living God, and to receive the Word in faith and humility. This is the only way to soul-satisfaction, peace, and joy.  We pray that you will drink your fill of the abundance of God's house and of the river of His delights (Psalm 36:8).

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