The Begets

be·get [bih-get] verb 

1.  to generate

2.  to cause; produce as an effect

Good choices beget good choices.   They spread and grow and affect not only ourselves, but those around us.  

By the way, I’ve lost 31 pounds!

I’ve been saying for years that there is, indeed, freedom from this plight of obesity from which so many of us suffer.   Real, true, complete freedom.   Not many people believe me.   They refuse to give up the idea that this is one area of our lives that we shouldn’t totally give up to God.  They argue with me that we must, indeed, do something.   But I choose to believe in God’s freedom.  

I choose…

…to be obedient

…to believe

…to trust Him

I remember in my long struggle with food issues how dismayed I was during a conversation about choices.   I was told that I always have a choice.  I do not have to eat and eat and eat.  I could, I was told, say, “No.”  Indignantly, I said, “I sure don’t feel like I can say, “No!’   No matter how much I try, I can’t manage to say “NO!”  If I could have done that, I wouldn’t be in this shape now!!!  If I have to rely on my ability to refuse, I may as well order up a second helping of fries, and some chocolate cake.”   My problem was that there were too many I’s in that denial cry. 

However, this person wasn’t so very far from wrong.   I certainly did have choices, and when the rubber met the road, I could have refused to continue to eat, but relying on my own strength wasn’t getting me anywhere but bigger. 

What about choosing obedience?  I mean, after all, gluttony is a sin.  The Bible tells us to put a knife to our throats if we are given to gluttony.  (Proverbs 23:2)  Sounds like God means business about us not being gluttons, doesn’t it?  Being obedient doesn't meant being perfect.  We can’t be perfect.  Striving to be perfect would be like us striving to fly by wildly flapping our arms.   We won’t ever achieve either on earth.  Choosing to trust and obey Him is a daily action, just as renewing the mind.   I’m not sure the two aren’t intertwined.  

So…am I saying that we do nothing but trust?   Well, yes, I kinda am.   When we trust Him enough to be obedient to Him, then we have made the choice to follow the path that HE has for us, and that path does include freedom.  There is no freedom in believing that the battle is yours…because our battles belong to Him…if we give them to Him, that is. 

If we could be saved by his laws, then God would not have had to give us a different way to get out of the grip of sin -- for the Scriptures insist we are all its prisoners. the only way out is through faith in Jesus Christ; the way of escape is open to all who believe Him. (Galatians 3:22, The Living Bible)

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

Don’t you think it’s time to disown slavery?   I've prayed for freedom for a long time.   Really, seriously, humbly cried out for freedom.   He kept trying to tell me...I kept not listening...to give up sugar.   When I finally did, some seven weeks ago, it's been the easiest weight loss walk I've ever done.   

Tomorrow:  (Finally) Some Call it Cheating, I Call it Living My Life.