Reshaping It All: Chapter 2

Hi Friends! Ashleigh here.

I enjoyed meeting each of you in our discussion of chapter 1 from Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness. (If you missed chapter 1 and are new to our book club, welcome! Go ahead and join our discussion. We’re glad you’re here now.)

Let’s get started.

In chapter 2, Candace and Darlene address our thought patterns. We read:

When we fully understand what is going on inside us, we can then understand why we’re inclined to make the choices we do. We’ll understand why the transforming of our bodies must begin by the renewing of our minds. Our bodies aren’t making these detrimental choices for us; they are simply animated by a mind that needs a mental makeover.”

No matter where we find ourselves — eating too much, eating too little, or eating poorly — this chapter points us to God’s desire for us: moderation. How can we reach a place of moderation? By, as we read on page 13, realizing that the problem isn’t food, it’s “our approach to appetite.”

We’re given three reasons diets fail:

• No Pain No Gain
• We’re Spoiled
• Lack of Conviction

I realized that I’ve gone from being highly disciplined in years past to a “spoiled eater.” Not only have I allowed my “resistance muscle” to grow flabby, I’ve sought out quick-fixes instead of doing what I know works. Why? Because I don’t want to put in the effort that’s required. Deep down I feel entitled to easy results. I’ve already put in successful effort several times (remember all those pregnancies I mentioned), why should I have to again? This time around I’ve allowed myself to view consistent exercise and a balanced diet as “optional,” not “necessary.”

But after reading this chapter, I’m freshly convicted.

In the 2002 film Spider-Man, Uncle Ben advises Peter Parker, “Remember, with great power, comes great responsibility.” It’s a quote similar to one made by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.”

In this chapter, we’re given great power in our journey to spiritual and physical health. The knowledge it provides — and the biblical foundation it draws from — challenges us to “grow up” in our approach to food; to take responsibility for the way we treat our bodies.

The question is: Will we?

I want to. And, as my first step, here is a list of reasons why I want to lose weight and, even more importantly, “grow up” in my approach to appetite. Some of them are deep, and some not so deep.

• To set a good example for my daughters.
• To honor God with the way I treat my body.
• To fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes.
• To have more confidence.
• To feel more energetic and less sluggish.

Before I share with you this week’s questions, let’s hear from Darlene.

At the start of this journey, I understand that some of you might be asking, “How does faith play a part in my approach to good health?” or “How is it possible that walking in the Spirit can free me from the bad habits I have?”

I want to start by saying this, Jesus is the one who releases us from the bondage of sin and death. Salvation is a gift. But as long as we’re living in this earthly temple, we will constantly face temptation and a desire to serve the flesh. While we’re here on this earth, we’re constantly faced with a choice — we can yield to the flesh and go through that cycle of guilt and a feeling of failure time and again, or we can start walking in freedom.

Walking in freedom is two-fold:

1. We allow the Spirit to transform our mind, so that we live according to our convictions. That’s what we’re focusing on this week.
2. We are willing to sacrifice our desires to live a life that God desires for us.

We’ll get to #2 soon enough, but let’s start by laying the groundwork and building upon a good foundation.

Enjoy the journey, and until next time, live well!!

Blessings,
Darlene Schacht
www.timewarpwife.com

OK, your turn.

1. Which one are you — No Pain No Gain, We’re Spoiled, or Lack of Conviction?
2. How did you feel as you identified yourself? How did this further motivate you to change?
3. What are the reasons you want to lose weight and/or adopt a healthier lifestyle?
4. What stood out to you in this chapter that you’d like to share?