I just read the article, “We are what we eat,” by William Saletan in The Washington Post National Weekly, (which I can’t find on the Internet) that says “…thanks to low-cost high-fat food, obesity has become a global condition.” He explains that in the past only rich people could afford to get fat. Now poor people can afford the same waist-busting eats and are likewise constantly letting their belt out to accommodate their indulgences.

With all the focus on keeping weight under control over the last couple of decades, and the utter failure to succeed, I can’t help but wonder if the problem is much bigger than simply what we put in our mouth.

We are in a culture of get more, more, more. People want more money, more status, more choices, more attention, more fame, and more success. Consumers buy bigger cars, bigger houses and bigger closets to house their overflowing wardrobe. Connected with the craving for more, we order bigger helpings, down larger quantities and spend more time indulging the senses and entertaining the palate.

Is the overweight epidemic only a matter of what we eat? Or could it include how we view eating altogether? As part of the “give me more” culture, perhaps we need a revision of our attitude toward consumption in general? Maybe less is better? Could it be possible…?

“Godliness with contentment is great gain,” the Bible mentions. True contentment doesn’t come from consuming more. It comes from spiritual mindedness and feeling close to God. Prayer, quiet moments with God, discipline, dominion and commitment to improving oneself spiritually and morally, lead to a truly happy state of mind.

God made each of us complete. We don’t need more things, more food, another dessert, an extra helping of food, to be happy and satisfied. It’s not more matter that makes us happy. It’s more spiritual understanding.

When it comes to “bigger is better,” the rule applies only if the “bigger” is a greater and grander view of spiritual reality. Go for it! It will have a good effect on your waist.