For many of us, our approval in our weight journey has come from the scale. If the read was heading lower–I’m good. If the read was moving higher–I’m bad. The scale has been our measure of approval.
What a fickle master that scale is! It is time for a shift.
Friends, I want to encourage you to aim higher. We are not who ultimately determine whether the scale is moving in the right direction. Nor is the scale the true giver of rewards and/or the desires of our heart.
Here is some encouragement from God’s Word: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Col 3:23-24)
As I read this passage, I remember, your approval matters most. How can I please you with my eating and exercise behaviors?
It may help to remember the following:
Do what has been revealed. For many years, my weight loss journey could be summed up as: We already know, but don’t do. Is that you too? Why am I refusing to do what I already know will help my body and weight? Or to follow the advice of my doctor? And then, I am upset because I am reaping what I have sown. Isn’t it funny how that works? Yes, it is not always easy, but what would happen if we would decide that I am just going to listen and move forward in honoring the wisdom of what has been revealed to be better for my health?
Have a first fruits mentality. In the Bible, God approved of Abel’s offering more than Cain because he brought forth his “first fruits” or his best. How can I offer God my best when it comes to prioritizing my weight and health? Am I working as hard as I can? Or am I seeking to just do the bare minimum?
Prioritize 1 Peter 4:8. In this verse and chapter, Paul admonishes us to move differently knowing that the “end is near.” Time should not be wasted. We need to focus on what matters. He uses this verse to encourage his people to have fervent love, be hospitable without grumbling, and to use your gifts to serve God with excellence. If I would make these my aim daily, along with the other two steps I shared, might I be in a different place to please God and receive a higher reward for my efforts, one that includes weight and beyond?
Friend, let’s aim higher. While our desire may be to lose weight and change my body, might we need to make a change? There is more for us. Let’s pursue that and see what happens.
**Please share your journey with me! I would love to hear how you are doing.
