DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING OUT!

NOTE: This post is in reference to a new diet and lifestyle choice that I started on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.  Feel free to skip this post if you aren’t interested.  However, if you are interested, and might like to know how to help me then read on.

My most recent check-in with the doc was not as dramatically successful as the previous few weeks have been.  Instead of the usual five pounds or more coming off, this time it was a “measly” 2 pounds.  I realize that anything that is a negative gain is good, but I really want to have great results every week. 

I am aware of the reason behind the lower number.  I didn’t do all the things I’ve been doing to this point that have brought me the sort of achievement I want.  My schedule and plans were interrupted, and I didn’t execute a good strategy for that.  I missed out on the walks I’ve been taking, and I haven’t had the amount of water that I’m supposed to drink during the day.  They seem like small things, but clearly they have made a significant impact on my progress.

There is a spiritual principle in this.  (I know you are not surprised)  Followers of Jesus want to become more like Jesus.  Everyday we need to put into practice things that help make that happen.  If we try to shortcut the process we end up shortchanging the progress.  In other words, we will not be as far along the line of growth and maturity as we could be.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ —- 2 Peter 1:5-8

Not taking my walks…not drinking the amount of water I am supposed to drink…it is similar to skipping a spiritual discipline or practice in my walk with the Lord.  There are things that are necessary for Christian development, and without which the result is less than it should be.  A quick, but not exhaustive list of these practices:

• Daily Quiet Time
• Prayer
• Bible Reading and Study
• Worship
• Fellowship
• Service

This week I’m committed to being more careful about the steps of my diet for the sake of my body.  Will you join me in also making a commitment to the Spiritual disciplines we need for success for the sake of the spirit?

Blessings,

Dave