Our Demons/Our Psychoses - Part 6 - Gluttony Vs. Self Control Poem by Daniel Partlow

Gluttony’s spirit, Bacchus, follows Mammon’s affulenza.
Spreading a buffet of delicacies out upon the rich man’s credenza
‘Indulge youself’ he calls – ‘you’ve earned it, it’s your right.’
‘What consequence? ’ he laughs, ‘just quaff, and binge all night.’

Calling the poor man too, who wishes to forget what he’s lost
To drown his misery in a bottle – but at what final cost?

Eat, drink, and make 'merry', for tomorrow you will die
Is the logic of his seductively atheist and existential lie.

His unqualified success at present is a fairly safe assumption
As he watches millions squelch their pain not with Christ but with consumption.

Every day (or weekend) becoming a fest of Liberalia
A false manhood pretended by singing ‘Yo Saturnalia’

Pile on the Fries, Ice Cream, the sodas, pops, and cokes.
Baccus extolls the rich and kingly portions on which our society chokes.

Now Jesus said it is not the food or wine which despoils and makes unclean.
But drunken or culinary orgies are not the substance to which He weens.

So when you do drink and eat, let the temperance of the Spirit give you pause.
And as often as you lift the cup, glass, fork, or mug, let His blessings be the cause.

And when your possession of this spirit has made your waistline bloated,
When over your pre-occupations and depression Baccus has gloated,

Do not think that Jenny, Atkins, or even self control is the answer to your despair.
All blessings are gifts from God, so let your spirit taste His fare.

So just be free from worry and anxiety about your daily life.
What you eat, what you drink, just don’t let these cause you any strife.

Your body’s features, how thick or thin, what you eat, and how you’re seen.
It’s not what enters but what comes forth that despoils and makes unclean.

The kingdom is so much more than consuming your next meal.
Is it not distraction to worry about your physical appeal.

So repent, and ask Jesus to help you with your drink and diet.
The Holy Spirit is powerful, and it hasn’t gone quiet.