Don't Give Up; Give In

Scripture:  Matthew 4: 1-11

As the calendar flips over to a new year, statistics show that 45% of us make New Year’s Resolutions. Not surprising, the resolution at the top of most lists is to lose weight. In considering the feeding frenzy that usually accompanies the holidays, it is also not surprising that our expanding waistlines and disappearing exercise schedules (if they still existed by December) are typically the result.

As a consequence, a four-letter “d” word, diet, starts to dominate our thoughts and conversations.  We become vigilant and almost obsessive about food intake. Our purpose is to ultimately transform our bodies by cleansing our diets of unhealthy choices and unwanted pounds. Sadly, this procedure rarely works as statistics show that 95% of all diets (let’s be real, dieters) fail. While the end result is a good goal, it seems as though the procedure (let’s be real, the dieter) needs a new focus.

A new year is significant in the spiritual realm as well.  Following the joy and wonder of Christ’s Birth, believers begin preparing for another significant event, Christ’s Death and Resurrection, by participating in Lent. 

During the Lenten season, believers roll up their sleeves and perform some spiritual “spring cleaning.” This involves taking spiritual inventory and cleaning out what hinders his/her personal relationship and service to Christ.  In doing so, some believers will enter a time of “fasting,” which is a period of self-denial and sacrifice much like Christ endured during his forty days in the Wilderness.  By fasting, or denying him/herself of something, the believer is reminded not only of Christ’s Sacrifice but also of the importance of transforming the entire person – body, soul, and spirit – to become more like Christ. 

Like dieting, the intent of Lent is admirable, beneficial, and necessary (in order for spiritual growth to occur). In order to be successful in the endeavor, we need to make sure that our focus and hearts are in the right spot.  In other words, rather than focus on the negative, which includes denial and sacrifice, we need to focus on the positive, which includes growing closer to our Savior and allowing Him to transform us into the people He wants us to be.

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In order to be successful in achieving both weight loss this year and spiritual gain during this Lenten season, here are five tips to consider:

1.     Warm up.  You will accomplish more if you do. Just as a warm-up protects and prepares the body for exercise, a spiritual warm-up protects and prepares one for the challenges that a day may bring. Before you start your day, make sure that you are “warming-up” for it by spending time with God in prayer and devotions.  As you spend time with Him and His Word, you will increasingly know and understand who He is.  You will learn His true character, and you will be transformed as a result.  This warm-up will prepare your heart and mind for what is ahead.

Psalm 119: 105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

2.       Schedule (spiritual) exercise like an appointment.  If mornings don’t work for you, then find a time each day to spend with Him.  Just as all healthy, lasting relationships are built on love and commitment, the same is true of your relationship with Christ.  If your relationship is to grow, you need to commit to spending regular time with Him.

James 4:8 “Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.”

3.       Quiet your mind.  Stress is major contributor to weight loss failure.  When under pressure or facing anxiety, many people turn to food for instant comfort.  In order to successfully stay on track with weight loss goals, people need to quiet their minds so that they don’t lose long-term focus to short-term stressors. 

The same is true of the believer.  While God loves it that we choose to talk to Him –through both formal and informal prayers/conversations throughout the day, He also wants to talk to us.  That means we have to discipline ourselves to become good listeners as well.  Quieting our minds allows Him to continue leading and guiding us in the way(s) in which He wants us to go. 

Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

4.       Keep a (food) journal.  Many people are not aware just how many calories they consume in a day.  While they may be quick to point out a healthy choice – say veggies instead of chips – at lunch, they often “forget” about the handfuls of M&Ms they grabbed from a co-worker’s candy bowl throughout the day. A food journal is realistic way to track progress.  It also holds one accountable for his/her choices throughout a day.

Again, this concept applies to a believer as well. Maintain a journal.  It can be a prayer journal in which you record prayer concerns and answers to those prayers.  It can be a devotional journal in which you record your thoughts about the devotional verses or concepts for the day.  It can be a prayer on paper.  The point is that you are keeping a physical record of the transformation God is working in your life.  While it is a blessing to trace personal progress through your journal, it may also be testimonial tool for the future.

Psalm 145: 4 “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”
 

5.    Find someone to be your accountability partner.  Statistics have shown that individuals who work out with a partner have a higher probability of achieving their personal fitness goals.  One is less likely to blow-off a work-out if someone is waiting for him/her to show up.

Spiritual support provides accountability as well. You are more likely to stay the course if you know someone will be checking up on you.  Choose someone whom you trust to be honest, discreet, and encouraging.  As you continue the transformation process and clothe yourself in Christ’s character, you will be able to do the same for your partner.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

As we enter into the Lenten season and consider Christ’s 40-Day Fast in the Wilderness, it’s important not to focus on the Fast itself, but the purpose of it.  Christ was not merely “giving up” food; his denial was a part of the process in “giving in,” or submitting, to His Father. We, too, have the opportunity to “give in” by submitting the very essence of who we are to Him so that He can transform us into the person we were created to be.  This Lenten season, don’t  just give up; give in.