A quick google search reveals 7 different companies with Sinfully Delicious in their names. Other names include: Indulgence Chocolatiers, Sinful Sweets, Sinful Delights. One candy company describes their chocolate this way: Chocolate Indulgence. Rich, decadent and delicious. The Sinful Kitchen is the actual name of a new restaurant in Portland.
It’s interesting to me that we use words like “sinful” and “indulgence” and “guilty pleasure” to describe the things we eat, as if we know we’re flirting with a line. I wonder if these same tendencies come through in other areas of our lives, as well.
Chocolate is not sinful. Nor is candy, or cupcakes, or ice cream or anything else. Food is morally neutral. Granted, some of these items are unhealthy, especially in large quantities. They could wreak havoc on your cholesterol, your blood sugar, your heart, not to mention your weight. But eaten in reasonable quantities, not only are these not “sinful,” the experience can also be downright spiritual. Savoring a piece of chocolate with a friend, especially after a long, difficult day. Sharing a milkshake with son or daughter after homework.
My point is, while people go on about calling foods and sweets sinful, they ignore the sins that can cause harm to others and or damage their own soul. They continue to do things that are morally wrong. In fact, some in our society would claim that there IS no absolute right or wrong. Everyone does what he or she feels is acceptable. To themselves. Not caring about how their actions might affect anyone else.
We read in Judges 21:25 (KJV) that when Israel had no king, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” It sounds a little bit like the world we live in today.
We read in Judges 21:25 (KJV) that when Israel had no king, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” It sounds a little bit like the world we live in today. So what’s a person to do?
The Psalmist has some suggestions. These are just a few verses that we could adopt for ourselves:
44 I will keep on obeying your instructions for ever and ever.
91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.
103 How sweet your words taste to me, sweeter than honey!
105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet, a light for my path.
129 Your statutes are wonderful; No wonder I obey them!
133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. (Psalm 119, NLT)
If we ground ourselves in the Word of God and live according to it, we will have a better chance of avoiding sin in our lives. So, everything in moderation; except God’s Word.
(I guess that means I’ll have to cut back on eating ice cream every day.)
