No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)
The pursuit of weight loss can be all-consuming. For years, it consumed my thoughts, my words, my actions. I read books and magazines about weight loss. I worried about my weight. I researched ways to lose weight. How I felt in my body impacted my emotions and interactions with others. I planned my meals using apps and food logs. I said I loved Jesus and I lived a Christian life, but I was more loyal to my pursuit of weight loss and all the emotions that pursuit brought up for me. My life’s focus was on my life, on my body, on a desire to love myself. And the only way I thought I could do that was to lose weight! If I lost weight, then I could be happy in my skin. Then I could step fully into who God created me to be.
I was trying to serve two masters, and it just wasn’t working out. Eventually, it was time to choose. What was most important in my life? Who was most important in my life? Although I thought weight loss would give me peace and freedom, I realized that only Jesus could give me those things. When my focus was split between following Jesus and following the latest diet trend, I lacked confidence and direction. But when I chose to fully commit to serving Jesus, I was able to confidently follow the path He set for me in all areas of my life, even my fitness.
I learned that instead of dividing my faith and fitness, I can integrate them. In fact, it’s only by integrating your faith and fitness that you can achieve a sustainable healthy lifestyle. You integrate the two by seeking God’s Word instead of Google for direction on how to care for your body. Movement becomes an act of worship, and your pursuit of healthy habits are driven by a desire to be able to do what God has called you to do.
It’s the beginning of summer. A time when there is a lot of focus on “bikini bodies.” It will be easy to fall into the trap of trying to “fit in” with society’s version of beauty. This is a good time to choose who you will follow. It’s a good time to choose how you will determine your priorities and what will go at the top of your list. I pray that you will choose Jesus. The rest will fall into place.
Action Step
Are your loyalties divided? Are you trying to serve two masters? Choose to go all in with Jesus today. He’s already gone all in on you. You won’t be disappointed.
