The story is told of Raynald III, a 14th century Duke in what is now Belgium. Grossly overweight, Raynald was often called by his Latin nickname, Crassus, which means “fat”. After a violent quarrel, Raynald’s younger brother Edward led a successful revolt against him. Edward captured Raynald, but did not kill him. Instead, he built a room around Raynald in Nieuwkerk castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room. This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of nearly normal size, and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynald’s size. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother, and each day he sent in a variety of delicious foods. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, Raynald grew fatter. When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: “My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills it.” Raynald stayed in that room for 10 years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle. By then his health was so ruined that he died within a year. He was the prisoner of his own appetite.²

We all struggle with different temptations. While for some it may be food, for others it may be the distractions of the digital age, overworking, procrastination, gossip, or lying, to name a few. We fall into the trap of believing that we are lacking or missing out on something. But what we are truly lacking is the will to step away. It seems much easier to stay stuck and become “fat” with sin than to be brave and stop giving in to temptation. We become the prisoner of our own temptation. God has given us an out, an unlocked door and unbarred windows to step through and live in victory from our temptation. He has given us the power of self-control!

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for the times that I allow temptation to replace you in my life. Thank you for giving me the power to defeat these distractions and return my focus to You. Help me to have the will for self-control. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV).

2.    “The Three Edwards”, Thomas B. Costain, 1962.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.