Holy, Healthy, Whole: Growing Fruits of the Spirit for Weight Loss and Wellnessნიმუში

Now and Not Yet

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

Today, we are exploring the theological concept of Now and Not Yet.

Now: You possess the full grace of God right now. You are forgiven, you are blessed, and in this sense, the kingdom of God is at work in your life now. You are a part of eternity.

Not Yet: You also live in the reality of the not yet because you know more is coming, and you thank God that it is. Someday, you will have eternal life with God, and it will be perfect. Sin will be no more.

This is a continual tension you will feel for as long as you live on earth.

When it comes to weight loss and developing peace as a fruit of the Spirit, this concept applies as well.

You can have absolute, total peace about food, your body, and your weight right now because God is at work in you. If you are overweight, finding peace about your body and weight might seem impossible, but that’s a lie from the enemy.

It wasn’t until I began to treat myself with grace and compassion that I was able to end the binge eating cycle and lose weight for good.

If you are stuck in a round-and-round cycle of binging or overeating, then guilt, then overly strict dieting, believe me when I tell you that God's grace and compassion are the keys to your freedom.

You probably also recognize that you are not yet where you want to be. This is the tension of the not yet. You accept God’s grace today as you strive to be a more mature Christian tomorrow.

During the times you find yourself frustrated with your weight loss progress (or lack of progress), exhausted from managing cravings, or weary of writing food plans, remember the now and the not yet.

Reflection: In what way do you feel the tension of the now and the not yet with your weight loss? How can you develop peace about food and your weight despite this tension?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, bring peace into my life as only you can give. I’m thankful for the grace You give to me now. I look forward to what I don’t yet have, which is a perfect life with you in eternity. Help me continue to manage the tension, especially when it comes to my food and healthy living choices. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.