The Lord has shown me something recently. I know it applies to my life; I hope it will help you as well.
I first thought of it when I was reading on Courtney's blog about why she only wears dresses/skirts. (which I completely agree with by the way) Here's a small excerpt from that post:
"...if you do have a Bible conviction concerning wearing dresses or skirts all the time, then the first thing you need to do is to get rid of ALL your pants. Yes, ALL of them. :) If you believe wearing dresses is what God would have you to do, then why would you need that one pair of comfy jeans stuffed in the back of your drawer for a "just in case" day? Someone said once that if divorce is ever an option, then there is NO hope for your marriage. In this case, if the "just in case" pair is ever an option, then there is NO hope of you sticking with your conviction."
When it comes to your diet, how many "just in case" options do you have stuffed in the back of your "drawer"?
After reading this I applied it to several other areas of my life. I even noticed one way that I've already used this principle. I gave up eating sugar in Dec. of 2007. I love sugar, but the love is not returned. Sugar hates me... I'm sure of it ;) I made a decision not to eat sugar any more. That didn't mean that I would splurge every once in a while, or only have a little bit every day, or only stay away until after I lost a certain amount of weight. I didn't shove those options in the back of my drawer. There no longer is an option to have sugar; it's just not there. It's not that I don't ever crave something sweet; I do. But when I'm looking for a way to satisfy that craving, eating sugar is not something that I even consider. If I had the mindset that eating sugar every once in a while was okay, I would only be setting myself up for failure. Your mind and desires are very powerful things. I know that when a craving arose I would convince myself that this was one of those "every once in a while" times... which eventually would lead to all the time. But once you remove the option, there's no longer an opportunity for failure.
How many areas of sin could this principle be applied to? I'm sure that all of them would fit in one way or another. Having trouble getting up in the morning and keep hitting that snooze button? (that's me!) Remove it as an option. Want to leave those dirty dishes until the morning? It's not an option; they have to be done now. Does that soda look better than a glass of water? Too bad; you have to get your water for the day. (right, Sis. Julie?) Tempted to go back for seconds at dinner? NO, it's not an option!
As Christians we wouldn't even consider (I hope) grabbing a beer when we're thirsty, or smoking a cigarette to calm our nerves, etc. These aren't even things we would give thought to doing because they aren't an option for an obedient child of God. Then why do we make overeating an option? Why do we eat foods that we know aren't healthy for the bodies God has given us? Aren't these sins just as wicked as the others? YES! I exhort you... clean out the "back of your drawer" and REMOVE these sins as an option in your life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
AMEN!!! Great post!
WOW..what a great post!
No OPTIONS! I like the second helping..there is just no option!
makes one think just a little bit further!
I have cleaned out SUGAR mostly in my life's diet too and now I find I don't even like it and it makes me feel sick when I have it!
mmm? that'll preach huh? sick of your options yet!!
Interesting and well-made point! :-) I'll have to take a look and see what areas of my life could use this philosophy. This was a really good read and gave me food-for-thought! Thanks Pam!
Shalom! :-)
Very good post. Lots to think about in the area of diet. I think this is an area that I have made some provision for, I will have to make sure that to give up sugar in form of honey or other carbs is what would be a safe thing to do. I am sure that white sugar is not good for you and makes you crave it. connie from Texas
Oh Pam, this is exactly what I needed. You wouldn't believe how God used this. This is exactly what my problem has been. I have been battling nonstop with this diet and eating problem because I am continually leaving that "pair of jeans" in the back of my closet.
You know what, when I first decided not to wear pants anymore I left a pair in the back of the closet just in case and it wasn't long before that "just in case" came along.
A year later, I was so convicted about it I got rid of all of them and it changed my life in this situation.
Anyhow thanks Pam, God used this to speak to me!
Great post and very timely for me too...not making provisions for the flesh...
yes there are many areas this kind of thinking would come in handy and be profitable in my own life.
~Deby
As usual, your post has inspired me to do some thinking and praying. It's amazing how God times things. I've just begun to feel convicted about "giving up" in my own journey. Thanks.
I really do like your thoughts on this. How true it all is, we just need to let go and let God. Sadly it is easier said than done. I agree with your points...gives us all something to think about. ;)
I am a first-time reader, I found you through Tori. Your post was so true in my life and has really made me stop to think about all the "just in case" things I have in my drawer.
I look forward to reading more of your post.
Love and Prayers
Carrie
Yes ma'am....gotta have that water!! LOL!!
I don't think I've ever visited this blog! But better late than never...this was a great post!
hey.. my first visit to this blog.. i just read courtney's too. she is my cousin! :) i really liked the no option point of view. i have not made that my view for pants, because of my work, but i would definitely apply it to other aspects of life.. teach my children that for dating too. immorality is never an option.. not even on occasion! thanks! :)
Post a Comment