We often hear about people say that health is a lifestyle, and although it’s true, the reason it’s so difficult at first is because of habits we’ve developed over time that need changing. It’s also difficult because for most, it starts off with the goal to lose weight, but that takes time and discipline, which is sure to be a slow way of losing weight, but it’s the healthiest and definitely the longest lasting change. Making big and lasting changes in our lives is never easy – whether it's changes in the way we relate to others, the way we manage our time, or the way we treat our bodies. We usually start out with great enthusiasm, but over time, those feelings fade, and so does our resolve. That’s why the key is to develop healthy habits. Let’s discuss 4 elements that can lead us to a healthier lifestyle by creating a lasting change.
1. Build your life on the truth.
Jesus said “If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Many times when facing the truth, it may be miserable at first. It’s not easy to face the truth about our weakness, bad habits, and motivations, but until we face the truth about why we do what we do and get to the root of our habits, change is likely to be shallow and short-lived. If we want to build an authentically, healthy life based on the truth, we need to be willing to be honest with God and ourselves so we can deal with the root of the issue- not just surface level weight loss that is easily shifted with circumstances that are beyond your control that derail your intent.
{ Photo Credit: Gwinnett Public Library}
2. Wise choices
Being healthy is a choice. It takes more than desire to get healthy; it takes a decision. You won’t change until you choose to change. Becoming and remaining healthy is intentional. It’s a choice and never happens by accident. Many times we find that we don’t have the willpower to continue in our good decision, but thankfully we have the promise of God to help us. Our willpower only takes us so far. God takes over when we reach our end point. We need to trust in Him and seek Him in order to rely on Him, that He will give us the strength needed to break bad habits and create new healthy ones.
3. Renewed mind with new ways of thinking
Our thoughts determine how we feel, and the way we feel determines how we act. If we want to change how we act, we must change how we think. The biblical word for changing your mind is “repentance.” To repent is to make a u-turn. We must completely change the direction of our thoughts. To get healthy, we’ll need to repent of unhealthy choices. We need to think differently about our bodies and every other area of our life too. We need to declare the mind of Christ over our lives and to achieve the mind of Christ we need to seek it and know God’s truth.
4. God’s Spirit in your life
Jesus left us “the comforter” which is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can help us break free from bad habits, compulsions and addictions. The more we allow God’s spirit to guide and empower us, the more He grows positive character qualities in our lives to replace the bad habits. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Lack of self-control is what damages so many, but the secret to self-control is to allow ourselves to be Spirit-controlled. The more I allow the Spirit to direct and guide me, the more self-controlled I become. “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
There is much more I can share about on each element, but this is a great start. We will however, be diving more into these during our Free 40 Day Challenge every Friday right here! I hope that this helps give you a foundation as you make the change to live a healthier lifestyle.
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Let's do this,
Coach Andrea
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