How are you treating the Temple of the Holy Spirit?

Real Dudes,
Last December my wife had some Kohl’s cash to use up before they expired. So we went there to find both of us a new outfit for our Christmas Eve services at Church. I was able to find a sweater that worked, but the discouragement came when I started looking at some pants. Knowing where I was with my weight I’d have to go up a size in order to make this work. That was it…I was done. I was determined not to go a size up just to accommodate my poor habits. So I passed on purchasing pants and got by with what I already had in my closet. Right then and there I knew what my new year’s resolution was going to be…be done with what I knew was holding me back. I just want to take the rest of this time to walk you through how I chose what to refrain from. 

First, I had to identify my road blocks…the internal struggles. It was me. I was in my own way. I was my own worst enemy. That which was going into my body was getting there because I was allowing it to. Also, I had to be willing to identify my common excuses/justifications. I would try to convince myself that it was just muscle weight gain. Maybe all brands had their clothing running smaller than they used to. Each morning I would spend a minute or two stretching my shirts when I put them on so they wouldn’t be tight around my stomach area. Maybe I'll just learn to be content with this weight...it's becoming my new normal, surely this is typical as people grow older, right?

Secondly, I had to be willing to identify the causes, and then be determined enough to do something about it…the external struggles. If what I was allowing in was causing the weight gain and discomfort (bloating), then I had to learn to despise it. If it was going to hinder my goals, then I had to quit it cold turkey. What was strange is that I knew it was making me feel awful, yet I was continuously running back to it.
James 4:17 (NLT) Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Proverbs 26:11 (NLT) As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.

Lastly, just remember that the process has its challenges, but the results are so rewarding. Everyone’s bodies are made differently, so pick a challenge that works for you. I knew that I didn’t need to go on a specific diet. I just needed to get rid of the things that were holding me back. So for me personally…I stopped drinking coffee, pop, anything carbonated, and I stopped eating cereal. In one month I was able to drop 12 pounds, just by cutting out those things I identified as my road blocks. Being 12 pounds less feels great. I have no desire to gain those 12 back. Like I said, it wasn’t about a specific diet, it was about retraining my habits and finding alternatives that were better for me. So now I drink more water, Matcha and other teas, I eat yogurt for breakfast and watch how much I intake at any meal. I had to fight through some caffeine withdrawals and hunger urges, but that didn't last long…this has truly helped me to stop focusing on food so much. Reducing the amount of intake (and sugars) has made it so that I no longer feel like I have to eat until I’m full. Amazing how sugary foods convince you that you need just one more bite, that leads to another bite…finding it difficult to land on a stopping point. 

Again, I know this has worked for me. If this is something that you struggle with, then let me encourage you to do some honest self-evaluation when identifying the cause(s). Don’t be content with where you’re at…remove the excuses and do something about it. Why do I say all of this to us today? The Apostle Paul reminds us of a very important truth in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CSB) He says, “19 Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.”

Since our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit I just want you to reflect on how you’ve been treating your own temple. Is what you’re allowing into it reflecting that you’re “glorifying God with your body”? Men…we are not our own. I pray that each of us will understand that and start living differently if weight gain has become an issue. Some people joke about their weight…maybe that’s a way to help them cope with the hurt inside and bad habits, but that doesn’t have to be the case. You CAN do something about it. Start small, celebrate the small victories, and find your new mindset/lifestyle more rewarding. Become addicted to good health and fitness, rather than always focusing on food. Cheering for y’all. 

Practicing His Presence,
Nate Smith