I had a completely different message prepared for today, until I read my devotionals. I just loved this reading by Pastor Rick Warren in Open Doors.
Unlearning bad behaviors has been so hard for me over the years. I am a stubborn person when it comes to learning new ways when I love what I have to give up. For me, that was food. I had to begin to look at food as a nutrient to nourish the temple that God gave me. Food was designed to give us energy and stamina to live a great life. Not for pure enjoyment and celebration. Unfortunately, food has become socially accepted and the way that we show love, celebrate, communicate. That makes it socially unacceptable "not" to eat it! And, moreover, we feel like we deserve it.
Over the past three years, I have become more and more committed to "putting off my old self" and living in a way that glorifies Christ and helps me to be a healthier version of myself, both physically and mentally. I am so grateful that I have found a way to eat FOR LIFE, not a diet, that feeds me mentally and physically through the HEALTHe program.
Of course, a program itself isn't the answer. You have to be committed to wanting to take off the old self and begin to change for the better. Change is scary. We all fear it. You may be thinking, "what will people say if I don't eat the dessert, have a drink at dinner, indulge in the dip and chips?" The better question to ask yourself is "How much better will I feel if I eat to nourish my body, feel more energetic, get up off the couch and take a walk?"
For me, putting off my old self was my food and exercise (or lack thereof), but what are you being called to change or take off?
If you would like a copy of any of the devotionals or books I reference, please send me an email (button below) and I would be happy to send you one. Please reference the title of the post/devotional to ensure I send you the correct devotional/author. See my mission in the "About Me" link.
