You Are What You Eat

Posted on February 8, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

iStock_000000418419_Small“The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.” ~1 Corinthians 6:20 (The Message)

I have avoided talking about this issue because it is very personal. But I am at the point on my journey that I feel it is time to at least talk about it, and hopefully create some dialog with some of you who have been where I am – and maybe you are on the other side.

I have struggled with my weight for too many years. I must confess that food has been one of the idols of my heart. I love food and to some of you, you would say, it has been obvious.

I had to get to the place like every man who struggles with addiction, where I came to the end of myself and surrendered this area of my life to God. Bottom line – gluttony, while the “acceptable” Christian sin – is just that – SIN!

All my life I was known by the label “fat boy.” One of my mentors used to refer to me as “Rotund Welte.” Labels at a young age stick, don’t they? They become your mark of identification and we tend to live out the names that have been given us.

This summer I read a book on the subject of soul care. I have read some really good books. This one was excellent. The writer whacked me on the head with a two by four with this profound truth. Many of us spend time addressing the subject of soul care from a spiritual perspective, but fail to take the time to care for the body where the soul resides!!! Talk about a cheap shot – but a necessary one!!!

There are many good programs available to help you to bring your physical body under the control of the Holy Spirit. I did extensive research to find the program that would work best for me.

But let’s back up for a moment. I needed to be sure that I was losing weight for the RIGHT reason. At 61, I am not in it to be Joe Atlas. I am far beyond that stage in my life. Am I wanting to lose weight to make me look good? What is my motivation to lose weight?

As I prayed through my reasons here are the top four:

1. I want the Lord to be glorified. I can’t do this on my own – but with His help and strength I can do it.

2. I wanted to care for the temple that He entrusted to me, the container that houses my soul. For too many years I did not care for my body and that didn’t bring Him glory.

3. I want to maximize my days so that I can serve Him effectively. Years ago Dr. Douglas MacCorkle, then President of Philadelphia College of Bible said that too many of God’s servants die prematurely because they don’t take care of themselves physically.

4. How can I serve effectively at America’s Keswick preaching that Christ can set men free from addiction, when I am demonstrating with my own body that I am addicted to food?

So do you want to know what has worked for me? Well … I will share it with you next week!

Written by Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick. He has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 39; Proverbs 8

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: I’m not losing weight. I’m getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again!!!

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. ~ Hebrews 10:35 (NKJV)

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