Last week, I spoke about breaking out of your predictable patterns in life (that may lead you to INSANITY). One of my predicable patterns, as well as an identity (which is really a stronghold) has been my obsession with the gym and working out. I’ve spent my entire life pumping iron, playing basketball, swimming, etc. Over the years, I’ve had countless injuries, but have always pressed through, thinking I could overcome the injury with more workouts. Sadly, that has caught up to me over the years. I gave up competitive basketball 5 years ago and have had to alter my workouts time and time again because of neck and back injuries. I even keep a health journal to stay up with all my physical issues. Why am I sharing all this? Because, I’m realizing that the gym has been an unhealthy obsession because I made it an idol. It’s been part of my identity and my broken algorithm. I didn’t want to give it up. Why? Because I wanted to look good and control how I feel. As the verse below challenges, I need to give my body to God and stop trying to control what is HIS.
Romans 12:1 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
So, What… for This Week?
Are you making health, or your looks an idol? Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with staying healthy and even going to the gym, when it’s done in moderation, putting God first. When it becomes an idol like it has for me, you need to choose to make a change, before you have NO choice. This is just another example of something that can be really GOOD, but when it becomes an IDOL, it becomes a sin. God wants you to trust Him first. He will guide you on what you need for your body. Remember, everything you own is His…Even your body!