Hmmmm...looking back over my posts I'm seeing a trend. Most obvious is my lack of consistency in posting---only ONE post in 2013! Geesh. It's not that I don't have a thought more than once a year. I'm just not good at deliberately posting regularly. Another common trend in my posts relates to my efforts to gain control of a healthy weight. That has been a recurring theme my whole life. And then there is the underlying spiritual aspect of my posts. This is the one trend I'd be happy to continue!
Basically not much has changed from this time last year. I am currently committed to a new effort to restore a healthy relationship with food. I am happy to report it's going well. The key for me is finding a method that allows me to have control over my food choices. I don't do well with a highly restrictive approach or one that requires me to depend on only certain products. It brings out the rebellious nature in me and I find myself resenting the confines of the cure. The bottom line is I "can" eat anything I want. I really hate it when people see me eating something that's not fat-free or raw and they ask, "Can you eat that?". The Not Very Nice Part of Me wants to say, "Um, Yes, just watch me!". The more suitable question for me is not whether or not I can have something but whether or not it's worth it. Worth the trade-off between desire and benefit. Is what I'm eating going to fulfill the bigger desire I have to feel good and respect the gifts of body and health God gave me or only satisfy an immediate desire? It's all about choices. I can choose to eat less of things that are harmful and/or less beneficial or eat more foods that support my greater desire for balance. I can choose. I. Can. Choose. The biggest difference for me right now at this very point in my life is that I consciously ask myself before putting anything in my mouth, "Is this worth it?". I find answering that question is making it very manageable for me to stay on track. I pray that I will continue to feel convicted to face this issue with confidence and a steadfast desire to make choices that benefit me and, consequently, those around me.
I find this same approach is good for my spiritual state. Time reading my Bible and time spent in prayer are the major ways I learn about God, His nature, and the ways He directs me to live. Because Jesus was sent to do for me what I could never accomplish I have a lot of freedom. Freedom to make beneficial choices and freedom to make mistakes. I don't "have" to follow the letter of the Law to be assured of my salvation; that's what Jesus did for me. Now, knowing that, I need to ask myself, "Is this worth it?" when I think on stuff, speak, or do something. What is it I really want? Immediate gratification? Control? Accolades? I need to examine my deeper motives and the outcome of my choices. Sometimes my motives are very selfish. When I make that my focus I'm not really considering how I represent my Savior or the impact I have on those around me. What I really want is to glorify God in what I think, say and do. That often means I don't choose my own way. My way is much more self-serving. And rude. And loud. And sometimes unkind. I can be that way and God will still love me. Christ's work will still be enough to cover my sins and shortcomings. However, if I make a conscious choice to consider the trade-off to submit to God's way of doing things I find unending benefits. Usually things go better for me and I know they go better for those around me. I feel better. Even when it's really hard NOT to do what I have the urge to do I find that I am happier when I choose God's way. I don't have to practice what's harmful or less beneficial; I have the support and power of an Almighty God to help me make better choices. I pray that I will continue to feel convicted to examine myself with confidence and a steadfast desire to glorify God.
" “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others."
" So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
~1 Corinthians 10:23-23; 31-33
