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Listen while you read: "Revive Thy Work O Lord"1
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Colossians 1:11 – May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. (RSV)
My weight struggle is no secret. I am a member of Weight Watchers. I own all their books and gadgets. I even have a workout pal who nudges me into daily exercise. So then, you might well ask, "Brenda, are you thin?" No, I am not thin, but I am thinner and I am definitely healthier. (Anyway, the sin is gluttony, not being overweight.)
Little by little, God is changing me. I no longer binge and purge. I think of myself now as a gourmet, a connoisseur, and one who carefully selects and savours every bite. Most of the time, I'm in command of my taste buds and hunger, because I have self-control.
The Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, but we have to live them out in the physical. "The fruit of the [Holy] Spirit … is … self-control (self-restraint, continence)." (Galatians 5:22-23 AMP)
I've heard of some people who get instant healing from their addictions. Their hearts no longer desire chocolate, bread, or other assorted evils. I want to be happy for them. (Really! I do!) However, that is not how the Lord has dealt with me.
The gourmand uses food as a comforter. The gourmet delights in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Don't we want Him to fully enjoy His home? Our body? His temple?
1 Corinthians 6:19 – Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, be our comfort in everything, even in our eating. Amen.
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About the author:
Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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