I’ve always been fairly in shape, but for the first time in my life I’m actually living an intentionally healthy life and it’s been amazing. But there are definitely those days where all the benefits don’t seem like enough, and it’s in those moments that I have to think of the long-term. I think it’s like that with most things we struggle with– if we focus on the here and now we make the easiest choice (often not the best), but if we change our focus to what is best both now AND in the future our choices change for the better.

And over time, as you mentioned at the end of the article, it all becomes about changing what we want– our motivators and desires that drive our decisions. Willpower and perseverance only go so far unless there is a heart change behind it. Luckily Jesus is all about changing our hearts– our wants and our desires– to be in line with what is best.

“In the end, patients don’t need another lecture on why they should eat, smoke or drink less as much as they need someone to help them discover what they want more. ”

This kind of truth-seeking is noble and Jesus-y. Also a challenge to us to be honest with ourselves about our addictions and desires.

Thanks.
Love in Him,
Joanne

Not all fear is bad. It’s bondage but considering the alternatives not all is bad. It all depends (is it rooted in God’s love).

And we can blame things all on legalism due to wrong religious teachings. Yes, they have a greater accountability but we must never forget that our problems are not a group problem but a “human condition” problem. Lately (twice) when I bring that factor up (whether here or elsewhere) I see dark clouds parting for the sun making its way through. Although for me I felt that it not just coming out but shining through that speaks of revelation. None of us can make the Light of Christ shine in men’s hearts and our own heart, only God can.

Anyway, I say alot so not sure exactly what it is all about but I am finding the common denominator is being cautious of seeing things as like a group problem instead of a human condition problem and not passing off our personal accountability, while understanding how these other things can CONTRIBUTE to the mess like every other MINOR character (other people, the devil, whatever). God knows for sure what it is all about but that’s what I feel it is.

Even parents teach their children “right and wrong” and will use fear if they have to because a toddler doesn’t understand why he can’t have something that is not good for him. The law of itself isn’t bad and Galatians 3 speaks of it in a similar role, until we come into faith in Christ. Good read.

Anyway, elaborated quite a bit there so in case you missed the point of the above, not all fear is bad. It can be a good start as it can help you see the folly of your way(the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) but it is a greater love that will drive us to make lasting changes (perfect love casts out fear; Godly sorrow produces repentance). It is when I love the Lord enough not to want do things that grieve Him and unnecessarily grieve others, and just want to join in his overall plans because I love Him and others, that lasting changes at the deepest level take place.

As I was saying, my temp cigarette indulgence seems to have become a problem. But there is also something I have noticed, my body doesn’t appear to be able to handle it anymore. It is like I am allergic to them and my body is revolting badly. I was feeling really horrible in that respect when your article came out and I’m laying it down again believing that greater is He who is in me and as I keep my eyes on Him I will make it. Even if not for me, for those that love me and those I may be able to be an extension of Him to them.

Wasn’t a total loss, was the extra push I needed.

You may not want to be too quick to give up your original idea. You may just want to go about it another way. Maybe you can have guest speakers that have dealt with things like lung cancer, complications due to overweight, etc, and they can even share stories on what helped them.

I love teachings as there is something that teaching gives me that I don’t quite get from a story. Yet a story adds the element of a personal / relational touch and so I love those too. I’ll take them both.

Love in Him,
Jo

I wouldn’t respond like this except that someone earlier stated (falsely) that I come here just to disagree.

Your assessment is much more accurate.

Sarah, sorry about derailing this. I will shut up now, because this article and topic are worth discussing.

But that’s not the same thing as you being disagreeable.

Peace.

Thanks for the article!