WHEN WILL DISCIPLINE TURN INTO DESIRE
I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve started a new diet. I’m sure that number is staggering, and so is how many times I’ve started an exercise program. Each time I start one of these “get healthy” adventures, I have the best intentions, and I always say, “this time, I am really going to do it.”
I will clean out my refrigerator, get rid of all the sweet treats in the cabinets, get out the measuring tape, and hop on the scale. The first week is easy because I’m enthusiastic about the idea of being healthy, fitting into my clothes, and feeling better. The second week gets a little more challenging because the scale isn’t moving as fast as I would like it to, my muscles are sore from the exercise, and I am starting to feel like I am depriving myself.
In the third week, here come the excuses. I think I will skip today’s exercises because I’m swamped, and one day won’t hurt anything. I’ve only been drinking water, but I think I’ll have a diet coke with my lunch, it’s zero calories, so it can’t be bad. That is the start of the end. The one day of skipping becomes a one day of doing. The little diet changes start to include an occasional snack or just a slice of cake since it is someone’s birthday.
So many Sundays, I’ll have someone leave a comment saying the post seemed to have been written just for them. That is how I felt this past week when I listened to a GLUTTONY sermon.
Gluttony means the habitual greed or excess in eating. I am guilty of this, so I’m sitting here with my hand raised high. My children have even teased me for saying, “I am so stuffed that I can’t eat another bite,” and then two minutes later, I take another bite.
I don’t think of my overindulging as gluttony, but that is precisely what it is. I eat past the point of need and turn it into want. I want a dessert for my date night, but I don’t need the dessert. It is a treat for me, but it isn’t the fuel my body needs.
Genesis 3:6
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Was it gluttony that caused Adam and Eve to sin? We blame it on the devil, but they had the entire Garden to eat from, except one tree. Wouldn’t you consider that want instead of need? They were not hungry, the Lord had provided more than enough for them, but they let the thought of being deprived drive them to sin.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
I’ve thought that my overindulgence only hurt me, but that isn’t exactly true. It can hurt your finances, your family, and the Lord. Food costs are crazy, so eating more than I need can put a dent in our bank account. Eating foods that aren’t good for me can cause health problems that might take years off my life, and that would hurt my family. But, all of that doesn’t even compare to the realization that “I” am a temple that houses the Holy Spirit.
In the Old Testament, you might be struck dead if you entered the Temple of God incorrectly, and here I am stuffing His temple with a Twinkie. This temple is expensive; it was bought and paid for by the blood of Christ, and yet I treat it callously.
The biggest problem that I have is that I am human. I let my desires win over my discipline. My willpower is weak because it isn’t a muscle I exercise frequently. According to some books that I’ve read, your willpower gets stronger the more you use it. Discipline can become a desire if it is done long enough.
For Lent, I decided to make time for my daily devotions the first thing in the morning. I don’t check emails, work on the blog, and approve comments until my devotion time is over. Breaking the habit of grabbing my phone to scroll was hard. There are still mornings when I struggle, but because I’ve been disciplined, I am starting to desire my morning time more and more.
This week, let’s work on our discipline muscle. Start small (progress over perfection) and create a healthy habit. Maybe you want to replace your sodas with water, perhaps you want to cut out sweets, or maybe you want to take a walk after dinner. I will be right there with you this week, so don’t feel like you are by yourself. Truthfully, you are never really alone; ask the Holy Spirit for strength, and know He will be there for you.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
I really needed this today! You know, in addition to fashion, I think your true gift is ministry!😊🙏🏾❤️
Dorthy, that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. 🥰
Great post, Tania! How often, and in how many different ways, have I treated my body as anything BUT His temple… Thanks for the reminder and for the encouragement.
Perfect timing! For the first time in several years, I started drinking a soda every day this past March. To my disappointment, my weight is slowly eaking upward. Your thoughts resonated perfectly. Thank you for sharing. Back to the tea I enjoyed until that first soda…
I could have easily been the author of this post today! Your story resonated perfectly with me! I am trying to be more disciplined, but fall off so easily. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and struggles with us. We can all be in this together!
You are an inspiration, thank you.
Your posts are amazing! Thank you for your honesty, dedication, styling influence and most of all your spiritual insight. Keep shining!
Thank you Tania!
Wonderful words & very thoughtful provoking. A wake up call I needed
I feel the same way,. Everyone is finished eating and I am still at the table eating. So now I finish when they do and clean up as fast as possible so I don’t have to look at the food. It helps.
Great message and reminder that our bodies are a temple.
Thank you Tania! I am right along with you.
Thank you for such an inspirational post. When giving in to a momentary temptation results in ongoing pain, it doesn’t take long to change your ways. I was diagnosed with IBS at 17, and in my quest to find relief, i had to keep my weight under control and make healthy food choices with a mostly plant based diet. In that regard, I guess my health issue has turned out to be a blessing by forcing me to find alternatives which have not made me feel deprived.
Great post Tania, I have a true sweet addiction!
I gained 22lbs in the past year. I had my physical mid May and have lost 9.5 lbs. I have logged my food and exercise with my fitness pal, discipline is something I am working on, and I often ask the Holy Spirit in times of need to help me in all areas of my life, whether it is food, starting the mower, or starting an IV on a patient.
What a great word today!
When praying before my meals I’ve started being intentional with asking for Him to help me thru the meal to not over eat or make choices that are not healthy. Our bodies are truly a temple and and I should do a better job of taking care of it.
What you said about exercise hit me right over the head! This morning I was forced to exercise in a way I haven’t done in quite a while. My legs are sore haha. But goals and self-discipline are so important. Thank you because this is absolutely what I needed today. I’m glad you’re there with me.
This was something I really needed. I’m going to try to he disciplined about something this week. I really like your devotion idea. I think it is a good way to start the day.
I thank you for this post. I struggle with this as well, so I appreciate hearing that I’m not alone. 💕
Thank you for this post! Because I don’t have good control when it comes to consumption of chocolate, on 4/23 I put notes where I keep that treat, telling me to not eat it. I’ve already discovered that I was eating it way too often and without being hungry for it. My self body image is horrible, but I’m trying to think better about my current body instead of focusing on how I looked 20 years ago.
Tania, Thank you for allowing the Lord to speak through your words today. I struggle constantly with food and body image issues and I’m finding out it’s really is all about my relationship with the Lord. It feels comforting to know I’m not alone in this struggle.
Thank you so much for this devotional! It really hit home with me! I love what you write every Sunday – keep up the good work!
Your Sunday posts are always my favorite, but this one really hit home today after a week of overindulging for my birthday. Have a blessed week!
Wow! This post really nailed it for me. Thanks for always being faithful in sharing what’s on your heart
Tania I just figured out how to comment on here. I think this post could be applied to a lot of us because it sure fits me.I enjoy your Sunday posts especially because they always seem to fit me also, so we are not ever alone.
Great post! Just begain daily gernal to get more disciplined in my health and spiritual life..
The struggle is real. The book I’ll Start Again Monday by Lisa Terkeurst has been a game changer for me!!!
I love this post so much! I’m right there with you on everything you said! Let’s be strong together!
In the middle of the night I was awake thinking (worrying) about things I can’t control. I knew this wakefulness was due to snacking right up until bedtime. It was then I started a little conversation with Jesus about treating my “temple” the way the scripture instructs us. It was definitely a sign from God when I read your blog for the first time this morning. Bless you!
Thank you for this post. I needed the reminder that my body is the temple of the Lord. I should only put quality nutrition in it. Not chips!! Thanks again for being authentic!
Great post, something we all need to be reminded of.
I love your Sunday devotions Tania! Thanks especially for this one, hit home for me. You have become my everyday read, you’re quite a Lady! God Bless!
This is wonderful. I have recently started to see what you are saying. Yes, gluttony is a sin. That is hard to handle.
This post was definately what i needed! God works through you! Thank you so much.
Beautifully and honestly said, Tania. I just love your sweet, humble spirit!
That one was for me. I kept weight at bay till I retired three years ago but have gained 30 pounds.I am a lifetime WW member but no group closer than 30 miles from here. I do walk every weekday morning. I know the Holy Spirit will help me, just need to be willing to do what He says. Thanks for this post.
Thank you Tania, Discipline ….WOW you got it right today. I have arthritis and need to walk more and loose a few pounds. It’s so easy to say “I will start tomorrow” but NO more excuses…today is the day. Look forward to your articles everyday. Thank you!
This..is right on time for me! I struggle daily with eating and the guilt. After reading your blog I do feel alittle better as I dont feel so alone. Thank you.
Great article! I stated working out last December for the first time ever. The greatest motivation…health and taking care of my dwelling place for God. By no means is easy to be self disciplined, but it’s worth it!
Good message Tania and not just for you 🙂. Galatians 5:16-26 (Walking in the Spirit). It’s an ongoing battle with this flesh. Like you, I’ve dedicated my mornings to the Lord. I’m better equipped for the day after!
This was very encouraging! Thank you for taking the time to plan and write it ❤️
You may have needed that, but boy I did too. Ouch!! Thanks 🙏
It’s been a while since I’ve read your post, Just before I read today’s blog, I was thinking how I’ve not taking care of my temple as I should. And it’s like I heard God say, go read Tanya’s blog (I’m not kidding). Now, all I can say is…truly this message was meant for me.:-) Thank you!
Thank you again for these Sunday posts. You have been given wisdom by our Lord!! Thank you again for sharing & hitting on this topic.
Linda in Ohio. 😊
I know just what you mean! I can stay within 10 lbs of my desired weight but since I’m short, I’m miserable and my clothes are tight if I get 5 lbs past the desired weight. And keep in mind, “the desired weight” doesn’t give me thighs like a supermodel.😂. The older I get and living in a 55+ community, I see that those who manage their weight and get exercise, have FAR MORE quality of life than those who don’t. That inspires me.
Everything you said is true. Our bodies are a temple of God’s. We owe it to Him to take care of them.♥️Let’s pray for each other!🙏