Getting it Straight and Keeping it Straight

I first saw this quote by Jerry Bridges at Leah's blog: 

"Our first problem (with holiness) is that our attitude toward sin is more self-centered than God-centered. We are more concerned about our own 'victory' over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our struggle with sin chiefly because we are success-oriented, not because we know it is offensive to God."

Now, I know that weight loss and dieting is not always equivalent to holiness.  But I also know that my personal failure to exercise self-discipline in the areas of healthy habits is a result of failing to appropriate God's grace and power by an deliberate act of faith.  And whatever is not of faith IS sin....And sin IS "offensive to God", as Bridges states.

As I continue the journey of a healthy lifestyle, I want to keep my eyes on the fact that failure in this area is not so much about me - my failure or success - but is about the heart of God - His glory, His holiness, His power, and His love for me, His child!

5 comments:

  1. Rebecca, God loves you at whatever size you are and would not consider you a failure, he knows your heart and knows your intentions, you are so hard on yourself my friend...Luv you,.....:-) Hugs

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  2. Rebecca,

    Thank you for your comment on my Living A Fit Life blog and thank you for your visit. I thought I'd come over here and visit with you. I look forward to getting to know you and congratulations on the 40 lb weight loss you stated on my blog. I'm sure you'll do fine with maintenance as you continue to trust GOD and take the steps necessary. I'm still on my journey and I take it a day at a time and I have not set a time limit for it's a journey of lifestyle changes and day to day living healthier. I'm loving it because I love the LORD and He loves me.

    Holiness has everything to do with all aspects of our lives including the care of ourselves so I'm glad you shared that in your post above.

    Blessings and love in Jesus Name.

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  3. Hi Rebecca,

    Thank you for this post. You are sharing some really deep concepts and I need to "chew" on them a while.

    I really appreciate the quote top left!
    It truly is delicious to be able to say
    "I could have, but I didn't."

    The LORD has been helping me lose weight since June 11th. I praise HIM for some great success. But the last few days, I have been feeling "hungry" physically and emotionally.
    It feels like my lunchtime yogurt isn't filling me up like it did. =(
    Maybe it is because I'm facing a critically huge project at work...maybe it's because I've scheduled a total hip replacement for the end of December and I'm feeling sorry for myself.

    Probably it's just a warning to invest more time spiritually! I covet your prayers.

    Blessings to you as you continue on in your journey. Hugs ~

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  4. Hi Rebecca, Great post, and much food for thought, thank you for sharing.
    Sue

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