Know what you want the most

How are you in the willpower department? Most people with any accumulated age need only look at their waistline to answer that question. I met yesterday with an old friend whom I have not seen for a couple of years. He looked good and aside from some additional grey hair he essentially looked the same as he looked the last time I saw him. I asked if he was working out to maintain his healthy and slim looks and he nodded to the affirmative. He said he was visiting the gym regularly and eating right. He goes to work at 5:30 AM and often does not get home until 9:00 or 9:30 especially during tax season, but he still makes time to take care of his health and he eats right.

We all see people struggle with losing weight and we all struggle with achieving our goals. I told someone the other day that losing weight is not about a secret pill, the latest diet, or some magic formula; it is all about willpower. What is willpower? When you think about it, willpower is all about what you really desire the most. One must desire a slim looking body and good health more than they desire a delicious piece of cake or similar item. Likewise one has a choice to lie around the house watching television or reading a book or get off the duff and exercise for an hour or so keeping in mind that the healthy good looking body can only be achieved by making that decision and sticking with it. Eating right and exercising “regularly” is all about deciding that you desire the good looks and health more than the junk food, large portions, and sedentary lifestyle.

I saw a real life example of someone the other day that was on a diet and struggling with this age old problem. A very tempting morsel of food that was definitely not on his diet was put before this person and I saw temptation start working this poor slob over. He knew it was not on his diet, but it was so-o-o-o tempting. First came the rationalization that just one little break in the diet would not hurt anything. Next came the beginning of the end as he succumbed to the temptation and grabbed the delicious looking morsel of food that he so craved. I made a last ditch effort to head off disaster and I shouted out, “Wait a minute think about it. Wouldn’t you rather have a great looking healthy body than a simple morsel of food?” As I watched and listened, “Munch, munch, munch” was my answer as he wolfed down every bite, licked his lips and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Oh yeah, and then he burped

Did you know that the Bible teaches that we are not tempted by God? Satan is the author of temptation. God allows it, but God does not tempt anyone and God always provides an avenue of escape. We all have choices and our decision will ultimately depend upon what we desire the most. The next time you are tempted to go off course think about how much more you want your goal versus the temporary satisfaction of the temptation that ultimately causes harm and distress, and always look for that avenue of escape.

James 1:13
Let no one say when he is
tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for
God cannot be tempted by evil, nor
does He Himself tempt anyone.
but each one is tempted when
he is drawn away by his own desires
and enticed.