Spiritual Bulimia

In the medical/psychiatric world there is a disease called Bulimia Nervosa and is classified as an eating disorder that is common among adolescents (5%-25%). Due to its high prevalence and also morbidity (1%-15%) the public has been made aware of its existence and also many of the signs and symptoms. Many people understand how devastating this disease can be to the mind, however, not as many are aware of its debilitating effects on the rest of the body. In fact, up to 40% of those afflicted with this disease will present to the emergency room or family doctor with some problem induced by their bulimia. The following are just a few examples:
*Electrolyte imbalances --> confusion, fatigue, seizures, coma
*Metabolic acidosis --> end organ damage, coma
*Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) - a measure of kidney function (the higher it goes the worse it is)
*Esophageal tears --> acute blood loss, anemia, neoplasia
*Decalcification of teath
*Parotid (salivary glands) swelling and increased amylase
*Altered thyroid and cortisol functions --> vast hormone irregularities
O.K. so now we know some of the medical symptoms, but what are some of the signs? Regardless of the cause of bulimia the signs are pretty much the same. There is a period of binge eating (eating more in one setting than one would normally eat or what is considered to be normal; this can be as much as 5000 kcal/day) followed by an extensive period of either purging, use of laxatives, or extreme exercise.
Living a life this way is not healthy, nor compatible, for the human body. The body does all it can to compensate but will eventually lose in the end. The body cannot keep up and healthy store of energy and will resort to its emergency reserves, which is like using plastic to keep a wood fire going longer; it puts off some heat and energy but the byproducts are toxic.
The other day in priesthood we were discussing the acquisition and allocation of knowledge. We discussed the different types of knowledge, its sources, and application in our lives. When discussing the retention of said knowledge I came up with the analogy of Academic Bulimia and how this type of studying might have got me through my undergraduate program but is very detrimental to my graduate studies. Academic bulimia consists of the same concept of "binge and purge." The night before the test I would binge on as much material as I possibly could and then purge it the next morning onto the answer key. Once it was out though it was never coming back and I quickly forgot it. Again, it got me through my undergraduate studies, but my graduate studies suffered with it. I had to find a new way of studying (still looking). This is information that I will be required to know so that I may be successful in my career.
As the discussion continued on I started thinking about the concept of Spiritual Bulimia. In essence it's the same thing. We might come to times in our lives (like preparing for a talk or a class) when we need to binge on gospel information so that they next day we might purge it and sound smart. Occasionally we'll take the time to intensely study a gospel topic, only to forget it the following week because of not applying it in our lives. Just as in Bulimia Nervosa or Academic Bulimia, when that unexpected time comes for a sudden need of energy or information to make a right decision and not fall into temptation, we just might find ourselves in a spiritual coma.
Paul understood this concept of the need for a correct pattern of study. In his letter to Timothy he wrote, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase into more ungodliness," (2 Tim 2:15-16). To the Israelites the Lord gives this commandment, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success," (Josh 1:8).
This gospel is one that requires daily "study and meditation" as the Lord states so that we might constantly have that knowledge to guide us in our everyday lives. Even if it is for just a short period a day, daily study and application will burn the knowledge not only into our minds but into our hearts as well. Then, when that moment comes for us to call upon that knowledge to lead us out of temptation or danger, it will be there and we won't have to rely on our carnal emergent reserves that produce more toxic effects than they do helpful.
If you're use to binging and purging than I suggest start taking small bites at a time. Get back to the basics, then gradually increase your sources and time spent. This information isn't only for use on the Sabbath in our talks or classes.