Suit Up!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph 6:10-11)


I haven't been focused on weight loss during this fast.  I have tried to keep my head in spiritual matters and let the flesh be flesh.  It is my spirit that hungers and thirsts for righteousness.  I have had a number of persons mention that I've lost weight.  I cannot deny that I feel lighter. So I finally stepped on the scales to see.  I have dropped 15 pounds.  I put on a pair of slacks that I had become too bulging around the middle to wear.  They fit a little snug, but they fit.  That feels good.


However last night I was watching a little TV and ate several rice snaps dipped in red pepper humus. It was the munching ritual I wrote about a few days ago.  I gained a pound back.


Munching while watching TV is a family tradition going back three generations when the first TV was made available to the public.  I was four years old when I accompanied my father to go and buy our first TV set in Oakland City, Indiana.  I remember the pride and joy he and mom seemed to feel and we brought it home and hooked it up to the rabbit ear antennae.  The munching ritual soon followed.  We weren't the kind to eat dinner in front of the TV, but popcorn was eaten by the gallon!


I write about this because I am feeling stupid for the undisciplined munching that I did last night.  Oh sure I can say to myself "It's all natural." And it is, but my body didn't need it.  And now the devil is guilting me out over it.  


The devil's schemes are fairly simple.  Anything he can do to take our focus off of Jesus and move us down the easy path to destruction he will use.  Why not use natural goods that are good for me in tasty delights that satisfy the salt and munching habit? And in addition, why not use the focus on weight loss to discourage me when one pound is gained?  I will lose it today most likely.  I know in my sane mind that we can fluctuate in weight 3-5 pounds in a given week.  But in my head, the devil's playground, I feel like I have lost.  


Balderdash!


Stand firm in the the might power of God! That's the encouragement of the apostle! It was the verse of the day on www.biblegateway.com.  I have a tendency to be too quick to judge myself harshly. I try to protect myself from this kind of thinking by playing it loose as if I don't care.  But I do care and I do suffer from poor self esteem when it's bad enough.  You could say the devil is beating me down, although I am helping him when I drop my eyes away from Jesus and His glorious presence and power.


So this morning join me in suiting up in the power of God.  Be strong!  Be courageous! Stand firm against such attacks on our hearts and minds.  Enjoy the discipline! And share in God's holiness through this continued fast and season of Lent. 


Lord, my spirit is willing most days.  My flesh is weak every day.  I need You every day, every breath.  Help me to live a disciplined life that is fruitful for You and the kingdom of heaven.  In Jesus' name. Amen.