Where did we learn that if one thing is good then two would be better? Kids today are learning it from the AT&T commercial on t.v. right now that drives me crazy! A man is sitting at a kid’s table asking them if more is better. The kids are saying, “Yes, you always want more, more, more!” If one cookie is good, two would be scrumptious. If you find a pair of shoes that you love, get one in every color. If one glass of wine is enjoyable, why not have two or three? This way of thinking can get us all in a lot of trouble.
So how do we tame this internal desire to have more, more, more? I’ve had an ongoing struggle with LOVING food just a little too much. Recently I’ve had victory over these desires because I heard my Heavenly Father say something directly to me in my spirit. People can tell us truth all day long and many times it will go through one ear and out the other. But when we know that God has spoken to us it makes a difference in our lives.
Harsh correction never works in changing my behavior. I love Romans 2:4 that tells us God’s kindness leads us to repentance (a change of mind). Romans gives us a lot of good information about walking after the Spirit and not after the flesh (our way). Romans 13:14 (NLT) tells us to clothe yourself with the presence of Jesus and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. II Peter 2:19 tells us that we are a slave to whatever controls us. I don’t know about you but I do not want to be in bondage to ANYTHING.
A couple of months ago I was getting serious in my mind about losing weight. I had been making good food choices for a week. Tim and I were involved in a wedding the following weekend. We were having a wonderful time at the rehearsal dinner. Every bite that night was beyond delicious and I was outwardly enjoying myself through verbally expressing my delight! Sometimes I amuse myself, as well as others, at my enjoyment of food. It “felt” like God was rewarding me for my good choices all week. I had a thought go through my mind that I believe was God. “Rebekah, I’m so glad you are enjoying this meal. I created this food for your enjoyment. It IS delicious, isn’t it? Just remember one thing. Every single meal doesn’t have to be enjoyed like this meal. Food is mainly for your nourishment and occasionally for this much delight.” I began to smile as my mind drifted to the times I always had to figure out what would be the very best thing on the menu each time we ate out. I’m not naïve enough to say that I now will never struggle again, but I will say that since that night something clicked in my brain regarding food. I don’t HAVE to be controlled by my taste buds. It is a lie if I say I CANNOT lose weight. I have an enemy that loves to deceive me and lead me to make choices that are not good for me. And so do you! We must renew our minds with truth and recognize self indulgence may give immediate satisfaction but long term regret. If this blog is resonating with you, DON’T beat up on yourself! Remember the following verse:
Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit HAS FREED you from the power of sin that leads to death.
If you are being motivated to conquer your temptation from this blog DON’T put yourself under law to conquer your problem. Take a look at this verse:
Col 2:20 (NIV) – “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to it’s rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” These rules which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”
So then how do we handle temptation?
Romans 6:6,7 (NLT) “We KNOW that our old sinful selves (the old you) were crucified with Christ SO THAT sin might lose it’s power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died WITH CHRIST we WERE set free from the power of sin.”
We experience our freedom when we daily choose to believe the things God has said to us! Who are you going to believe?
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