If you want to lose weight stick to the diet

I am sure that title perked up some ears and what I write may offend however that is not the intention. I know many people, as do you, that always talk about starting a diet to lose weight. Some even try the magic pills that melt away the pounds. Very few people however stick to anything long enough for it to be effective. In our society we look for the easy way out instead of doing what is right. To make matters worse the media has convinced us that our weight issues are medical and not products of our choices. Otherwise we do not have to take responsibility if we can just find some super, simple something that keeps our bodies in check while we do what we want to do. In the real world it just doesn't work that way, does it?

Let’s take this analogy into our faith and spiritual lives. Just like dieting, I know people, myself included at one time, that move from church to church seeking a message that they are comfortable with. The message has to fit into their lives to where they can feel close to God yet still do what they want to do. The truth is that the word of God has been the same forever and always will be. Our guide to living a life of morality stems from our following the wisdom God has placed in our hearts and in our lives. If you want to lose weight, stick to the diet. If you want to live a life with hope and certainty of an eternal peace, follow the commandments.

Like dieting, finding and following a spiritual life is not easy. There are so many factors that influence our belief system. I heard a quote today that says “people quit growing when the price gets too high.” I know that following a diet plan is not easy but the price is just too high to not follow it. Even more is the high price of not developing a faith grounded in the belief that you were created with love, for love, by a loving God.

Develop a belief in yourself that you are the greatest miracle in the world. You deserve to be healthy, you deserve a strong self image, and most of all you deserve the love of God. If you say that you are on a diet act like you are. If you say you are a Christian and you profess your faith in Christ then act like it. The price for failure is just too high.

Let me close with a passage from Matthew 28 “Peter answered him, we have left everything to follow you, what then will there be for us.” I encourage each of you to read Jesus’ response. Remember where there is no hope in the future; there is no power in the present.

Whether your diet is to lose weight, gain weight, get lean, grow in your spirituality, find love, find peace, seek love, etc. Whatever your diet for life is, be all in. Commitment is the step that all too often gets left behind. Your life is too valuable to waste. If you want have a life stick to the diet. There is no magic pill, potion, or lotion, there is only hard work and a belief that you deserve to be happy and healthy.


Peace and love
Dale Childress