"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give
your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and
holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to
worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will
learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
Over 33 months ago I began my journey to Become a Healthier
Me. I knew when I began my journey that
my life would change – but I could have never imagined just how much my life
would change – for the better!
The first process of my journey was preparing for the spiritual
and mental battles that I would be experiencing. I utilized a bible study by Mary Englund
Murphy, Winning the Battle of the Bulge, It’s Not Just About the Weight (http://www.lookingglassministries.com/books.htm
), which was extremely instrumental in my
preparation. I began this study while
going through the 6 months of weight loss surgery classes. It was during this personal bible study that
the above mentioned bible scripture came to life in my mind, body and
spirit. I had memorized Romans 12:1-2
many years ago in youth group and have used these scriptures to minister to
others – but I never really applied
it in every aspect of my life –
especially my eating habits. The other
scripture that jumped between my eyes was “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV).
As Christians so much of our fellowship with others resolves
around food. We use these scriptures to “preach”
to others concerning alcohol, drug abuse or other “big” sins; yet in God’s eyes
sin is sin – including overeating!
I finally became convicted that I was not glorifying my Lord
and Savior with my body. I not only had
to give my body to Him, but I had to change the way I think as well. In today’s day and age the thinking is: “It’s
my body so I can do what I want”; But if we truly want to live for the Lord and
please Him as well, then we need to change our thinking and instead say, “Lord,
here is my body – it’s yours to do as You please – may everything I think
about, do, eat, drink glorify You and You alone”. When I
said the aforementioned to the Lord, and changed my way of thinking, I changed
my behavior to please Him, my life changed in ways I could not have imagined!
One of the most obvious and biggest changes has been the 210
lbs. of weight loss. Yes, it’s not a
misprint – that right - 210 pounds!
Shaved off 37 BMI points! Dropped
34 inches off the hips; 30 inches off my waist; 8 inches off my neck! 13 pant sizes! Physical change – YES!
Another change has been and continues to be the mental
changes. There are times I still see the
other person with all that weight – let’s face it – the last time I have been
the size I am currently was almost 30 years ago! The majority of my adult life!
Most of all and more importantly has been the spiritual
change which has occurred. I know this
may sound strange to some considering I have been in the ministry for 40
years! But in a way, none of us have “achieved”
perfection (not until we enter heaven) – we are all and should always be a work
in progress – not regress- or standing still.
When I completely surrendered my whole body – every part of my body and
life to Christ – I gave up my will, and His will and purpose for my life became
my life and purpose. When I gave every
aspect of my life – including my eating habits – I became a new person; a more
peaceful, joyful, grateful, and confident (confident because I am resting in
Him, not me) person. I even teach others
how they too can Become a Healthier Me.
Who would have thought! Not
me!
So, “change” – it’s not a bad word! It can be a healthy word! If the Lord empowered me to change –
physically, mentally and spiritually in my late 50’s, then you can too at
whatever age, size or circumstance you find yourself in today. Just commit your whole body – every aspect of
your life- including those “secret” places of your heart to the Lord. In so doing you too will find peace, joy,
contentment beyond measure!
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