Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

On Independence Day, besides parades, barbecues and flag waving, there’s yet another tradition: the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Each year, competitive eaters battle against each other for the coveted distinction of biggest eater of hot dogs. It’s even considered a sport. People train for gluttony. This year, competitor, Joey Chestnut was the winner; he consumed 69 franks and broke his own record in the annual Coney Island contest. He is a seven-time winner who set the old record - 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes - in 2009 and tied it last year. Anyway, as its gained notoriety as the patriotic institution, I started thinking, as an eating disorder sufferer, in recovery, what message it sends. Scripture cautions us about gluttony: "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21 ‘The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 It’s not to break our spirits, shame or humiliate us; it’s not to take away our fun, either. It’s to protect us, to make sure we’re safe and healthy. But we often get it all screwed up, believing the lie that excess is the answer to fun and problems. And there’s danger in that. Without a Godly approach to all life situations, eating included, we quickly veer off course. But, perhaps, you think I’m going too far. It’s just an innocent hot dog eating contest. What’s the harm in that? Well, the harm comes when we notoriously vulnerable human beings are triggered. “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9 We can be triggered by anything; alcohol, sex, relationships, shopping, anything under the sun, really. And just because we can have such things as hot dog eating contests doesn’t mean we should. For those of us struggling with binge and restriction behaviors, watching such contests can awaken our own extreme and unhealthy tendencies. And really, it addresses the core issue: what’s the payoff? Money? Fame? Indigestion? There’s really nothing glorious in the accomplishment. And isn’t our purpose about bringing Glory to God? “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’’ 1 Corinthians 10:31 As human beings, we really value some vain and silly things. There’s no cure for a disease here; in fact, there’s triggering potential for several. Celebrating gluttony is not the answer. Honoring ourselves: spirit, mind, soul AND BODY is more like it. “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 This holiday, let’s give honor where honor is due: to God and his healthy ways. God has a much greater vision for us than stuffing ourselves with hot dogs. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Let’s tap into that freedom instead. Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse