5 Reasons We Aren't Succeeding in a Healthier Lifestyle and How God Can Help
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Another summer has almost past again. The desire to be healthy has faded and dreams of sweatshirts and stretchy pants are on the horizon. However, our attention to good health should not be a seasonal thing. As believers we are called to honor the Lord with our bodies and how we treat them. Today I am going to share five reasons we are not succeeding in a healthier lifestyle and how the Lord can help.
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Pride can creep in so easily at the gym or even at home. We desire to be the best and to be in shape. I remember working out with women ten years older than me once and getting so frustrated that this one incredibly fit woman could run faster than me. (I am not a runner by any means, but the age gap effected me) I was so self-conscious to be stronger because, “I should be the best” since I was the youngest there.
This attitude was so self-centered, I missed the joy of reaching my personal goals and judged an older woman for her success.
Many times we feel as if we have to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion to be working out well. This is not true. Sweating is great, but I have learned of many types of low-impact and fun workouts that do not cause injuries. Part of seeking a long-term fitness plan is discovering what you enjoy.
If I do not like a workout, I will not stick with it anymore than a diet that makes me miserable. If your routine is simpler or you enjoy fun classes, do it! Whatever gets you active is the best exercise for you. Fun fitness is better than no fitness.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Jesus Himself could have done His ministry all by Himself perfectly, but He chose the disciples to work towards the goal with Him. His model of inviting others into community is a game changer for healthy lifestyles. When we have the support from even just one other person, it creates accountability, encouragement, and friendship. We were made for relationships.
Maybe you have been embarrassed by the situation of your current health status. Perhaps you tried a support group or asked a friend to help you and it failed. Pray and ask God who you could reach out to who would provide the encouragement that you need. Remember that they are a cheerleader, but God is your coach. We can only ultimately depend on Him for our success, not a human being.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Even if you have felt like a failure in your health after a traumatic year of isolation and social distancing, it is not to late to start getting on the right track. We need perspective from the Lord, ownership of how God shaped us, long-term eating goals, workouts that we love, and support from others to succeed. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
The Holy Spirit lives inside of every believer. The power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. We are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us. These are just a few reminders that with the help of God all things, even our health is possible.
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