The Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). It also teaches us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be changed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). In other words, God is saying that true change starts within when you decide to make a different choice, take a new path, form a new opinion, or try a different way of doing something. However, you do not immediately become the new you the moment you decide to change. Just as there is a process to change your mindset from your current way of thinking, there is also a process to turning your thoughts into reality. You have gone through this process numerous times throughout your life without recognizing what was taking place.
For example, at some point, you accepted, or rather chose to believe, the lies of the world regarding food and bought into the notion that you can eat whatever you want whenever you want. Likewise, those entangled with eating disorders took similar baby steps to form their destructive habits. Once you realized you were deceived, you probably tried to reorient your thinking, but you did not believe you could control your cravings or resist the temptation to change your unhealthy eating habits. Many of you lost hope of being set free from eating disorders. Others stopped trying to lose weight because your mind could only envision the overweight version of you and doubted you would ever successfully and permanently lose the weight you have gained over the years.
If you continue to think that way, your situation will not change! You will remain fat, and the inevitable results you fear will follow. Namely, you will eventually need medication for high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes. You will need heart surgery. Your leg will be amputated due diabetes. You will have to learn to walk and talk again after a stroke. It is the same for people dealing with anorexia. If you do not see yourself eating healthy meals and living a balanced life on a regular basis, you will continue to see food and beverages as the enemy that must be avoided at all costs. Ultimately, your jaded image of food will kill you. Likewise, those suffering from bulimia must first envision a life without throwing up after every meal.
From your perspective, being free of those dysfunctional and life-threatening eating habits probably seems impossible, but God says you can rewrite the story in your mind and think, “A thousand shall fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but obesity, anorexia, and bulimia will not come near me” (Psalm 91:7). “For I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), including losing 50, 200, 400, or even 500 pounds of weight, eating healthy meals every day, and ending the trips to the bathroom to throw up food recently ingested! Once you change your mind, act on your new beliefs. Remember, faith without works is dead (James 2:20). Your behavior is the proof that your mind has been changed. The new you that emerges is evidence that you truly are the product of what you think.If your heart cries out for change, purchase your copies of the Eating as an Act of Worship Workbook and the Eating as an Act of Worship Teacher’s Edition online today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com. In the books, you will learn the biblical principles regarding the body, dieting, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body for the glory of God. Read our weekly blog for motivation to stay healthy and fit through Christ. Follow us daily on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for recipes, and diet and exercise tips. Tune in to our syndicated radio show on the DFW Den Radio Station, the StudioW Buzz Radio Station, and Victory KVDW 100.9 FM, 95.3 FM, and 1530 AM in Little Rock, Arkansas for interviews and health and fitness trends. Lastly, make your tax-deductible donation to Eating as an Act of Worship Ministries at www.eatingasanactofworshipministries.org!