I enjoyed a wonderful evening at the cinema recently with a friend. Since it was still quite close to Easter time, I was feeling distinctly biblical, and with Noah on show on the main screen we thought, why not?
After having just freshly completed another rant about how modern technology and mobile internet devices are staining the fabric of a once wholesome society, the opening scene went on to depict Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, picking the forbidden apple and taking a bite out of it. Her phone beeped right on cue. “That thing is evil,” I said. “Turn it around and have a look at the logo if you don’t believe me!”
To hold all the most potent temptations of the modern world in the palm of your hand, now, there’s some food for thought and something we can definitely bite into.
But what of my sporty jock mind? Was it really going to take a back seat while watching this religiously-inspired blockbuster and pondering the nature of good and evil? Of course it wasn’t.
Temptation haunts us in the exercise and fitness realms too, and if we don’t watch out, we could very well find ourselves mourning the lost soul of that fitter and healthier version of ourselves that was never quite meant to be.
It’s been a while since Bible class, but of the seven deadly sins we were warned about, three immediately spring to mind: lust, gluttony and sloth.
It never ceases to amaze me how such simple words of wisdom could survive through the ages and still maintain their universal relevance, even when it comes to the sinful shame of unhealthy living. Maintain your vigilance against these three sins and embrace the good news of good health.
Lust is the first and, possibly, the most powerful of the three unhealthy sins. When we think of lust, we might first consider the attraction towards another person in the romantic sense. However, there is a deeper, more broadly-encompassing meaning to this sin.
Lust can be any intense desire, be it for power, certain types of relations or even material things like possessions or good food. Pretty much every time we want something ferociously, it is this sin that rears its ugly head.
That slice of creamy cake beckons with such intensity it consumes our very being. Our mouth begins to salivate as we imagine its taste and texture. The delicious sweet takes over our senses; we simply must have it.
Whenever we want something at all costs, no matter what, we are guilty of lust. It could be sweets, junk food or even alcohol or recreational drugs.
Succumbing to the insatiable longing is a slippery slope because once you’re satisfied, it’s only a matter of time before the next craving comes along, and worse than ever before.
Succumbing to the insatiable longing is a slippery slope because once you’re satisfied, it’s only a matter of time before the next craving comes along, and worse than ever before
Feeding the desire only makes it worse, like feeding a monster, but starving it eventually kills it. Remember this next time you have a sweet tooth or are tempted by fast food. It’s temptation knocking at your door. It’s the apple. It’s the path that leads away from health heaven, the road less travelled, the narrow gate.
Give in often enough and you might find yourself guilty of the second health sin: gluttony. Wanting and consuming more makes gluttons of us. Whether it’s food or indeed anything else, the essence of gluttony is simply consuming more than what we need. This affliction is reflected quite accurately in the obesity statistics.
It would seem gluttony has overcome us as a society at large. The greedy habit of possessing more and storing things away selfishly is plain to see in all its ugly detail. It’s called body fat. When you take in more calories than you can expend through your normal daily activity, your body goes into hoarding mode.
It will continue to hoard until it eventually makes you sick with obesity-related diseases, essentially turning a good thing into poison.
They say too much of anything, even a good thing, will eventually become bad for you, so ward off gluttony by remembering the rule of energy balance: eat only as much food as you need to support your daily energy requirements. If you don’t need it, don’t eat it.
Little naughty treats every now and again won’t kill you, as long as you are capable of resisting those intense cravings. You can then feel confident you won’t make a habit of it. If you’re not gaining weight, then you are in perfect energy balance.
The third sin is sloth or laziness or, as some might describe it, discouragement – not doing your bit or not pulling your weight. This is the sin that tempts us to indulge in cozy evenings when we know we should get up and exercise.
Feeling comfortable in our house clothes, the TV shows are just too captivating and the thought of a relaxed glass of wine is just too inviting.
It’s like the little old comical angels and demons that sit on our shoulders talking into each ear.
Listening to the little demon is another deadly sin knocking at your door. Don’t give in.
All the things that beckon you will still be there once you’re ready. Slip on that workout gear and just do it.
matthew.muscat.inglott.mcast.edu.mt