I have struggled with my weight since I was a little kid. I remember the first time someone called me fat was when I was five years old and living in my first foster home. I want to be a bit vulnerable in this blog and share what I will be doing about this life-long battle for the next season. So, here goes . . .
About ten years ago Teri and I came up with a small group plan at Westside Church for losing weight called “More of Him – Less of Me.” We both lost some weight as did several friends who attended the group with us.
Here’s the thing:
I KNEW that this group, and the principles God gave us was for ME !!
Sure, lots of people might need to lose a few pounds – but, I knew that God was telling me to get the weight off. The insight God gave us was undisputedly sound and wise. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that I was to take these principles and DO THEM! But I didn’t . . .
Now, when you hear from God as plain as that and don’t do it . . . well, it’s sin. Ouch . . .
I don’t have any illusions of having a perfect body . . . that’s not what my desire is. I truly don’t want to dishonor God’s creation by not taking care of the “temple” He’s placed me in. I know I have short legs, thick bones, a strong back, and not much hair on top. I just want to be as healthy as I can be in order to be the person, and do the job that God has called me to do. I want the focus to be on Him . . . not me.
Well (as anyone who knows me can see), I haven’t done very well in my quest. But, I’m not giving up. I will not quit. It has taken me a long time to get to this point – but I feel the goal is in sight and attainable. Over the years, God has helped me through several personal issues, delivered me from a huge spirit of rejection, taught me some great perspective and insight, and brought me to this point. “Here I am Lord, I am what I am.”
OK . . . how about some specifics?
I have 2 friends who are praying with me and helping me to be accountable.
Since I have started with them (about a month ago) I am down ten pounds.
I will be operating by these principles found in “More of Him – Less of Me”
“More of Him – Less of Me” deals with two things: my attitude and principles to live by:
“More of Him – Less of Me” is not a program, not a diet, not a fad, not anything extreme. It is a sensible approach to a God honoring and healthy lifestyle combined with prayer and personal accountability. I will follow a principled approach and a reasonable strategy.
Attitude:
Acknowledge my sin and repent.
Have I not done what God has spoken to me in the past about weight, fitness, etc.? If so, this is sin.
Believe that God wants me to be healthy.
Believe that He will give me the strength and grace to make the necessary changes in my life.
Consistency is the key.
I will maintain accountability, daily bringing it before the Lord, being honest and accurate about my actions regarding eating and exercise.
Principles:
There are no rules; I Corinthians 6:12 says, “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” (NIV) I must decide before God what is His course for me.
There are strategies that God gives me. For example, I know when it’s wrong for me to eat such and such… because I believe God has already told me not to. He may have also given me an idea about exercise that is sensible and reasonable. That is a strategy.
I acknowledge my need for God’s help. One way He helps me in “More of Him – Less of Me” is to meet regularly with others for ongoing prayer and accountability. I will be honest and accurate before God and others in sharing my success and/or failures as I work toward my goal.
I will set reasonable goals for myself and stay away from fads and empty promises. I will maintain my regiment as a lifestyle – something that must last and not be just for a season.
John 3:30 “He must become greater, I must become less.”
Well, that’s it . . . and now it’s out there. I hope I don’t screw it up. If you remember, would you pray for me? Would you pray for others struggling with the same (or another) problem? Thanks.
Love you all . . .
Steve :)