Ouch

James 4:17– Anyone, then who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, to him it is sin (NRSV).

My first Bible is covered with handwritten scribbles about my weight, pleas for God’s help and freedom from my nasty food ways. Then I came upon this verse. Ouch! I knew that weight loss happened with exercise of mouth and body, portion control and wise choices. I began to understand that God had his job to do and that I had mine.

My weight management still falters once in a while, but now, taking responsibility for my own actions, I ask God’s forgiveness when I overeat, or skip my walk or a day at the gym. Then I ask God to help me and I resolve to do better.

Jesus can reveal himself through the Word, in dreams, and visions, but our job is to be Jesus with skin! We will never be perfect, but we can move toward a better lifestyle and show the world how God meets his people’s need in every area of weakness.

Prayer: Father God, keep teaching us about yourself. We want our lives to exhibit your self-control in every area, to a world that has no idea how to say no. In Jesus’ name. Amen.