Calling a Spade a Spade

I have whined to my husband and cracked jokes about being overweight and no longer enjoying exercise. As I have done the 1st 3 days of No other gods homework, I have decided in my case I must call a spade a spade…not only is food an idol because I eat when I am bored and when I am stressed instead of turning to our Lord, it oppresses me. I feel crummy because I weigh too much. If I were at the correct weight for my age and height, I would feel better. In letting food become an idol, I am also guilty of gluttony. (Not a word we hear much these days.) As I sit around in a lazy way blaming it on the heat, etc I am also guilty of sloth. (Another word we hear infrequently.)

I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings; I am not pointing fingers at anyone. I am talking about me. Sure I had a season for several months this year, in which I sat for hours at a hospital and ate from a vending machine or cafeteria, but I could have squeezed a little exercise into my day. Food choices would not have been as easy; I did little grocery shopping at the time, but when people offered to bring meals instead of saying no, I could have asked for salads and fruit. I didn’t take any help which was offered.

I think if I am honest with myself and call it what it is, I will be delivered from the oppression I have allowed into my life more quickly than if I pussyfoot around and dance around the idol. I must not go through life in my own strength but must depend on the Lord and His strength. My friend Sandy (of Sweet Tart and O J’s Beauty Lotion fame) sent me this verse in an e-mail today, and it so applies: Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a tower of strength. The righteous run to it and are safe. The following verses build me up and edify me, I hope they do you as well:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

I have repented…may have to repent again, but I know I am forgiven. The sin is under the Blood of the Lamb!