Leadership Tips & Training Holiday Temptations, Oh No!

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed.  James 1:14

Can you believe it?  The holiday season is back! Where did the time go?  It seems like yesterday we celebrated the New Year!  This is the time of year when many people have a problem with weight control because of the holiday temptations. So it’s necessary to stay focused on your goals.  Now, more than ever, you need to know the importance of dedicating your body parts to God in order to be successful in maintaining your quest for healthy living.

Dedicate Your Hands

You might ask, “What do my hands have to do with losing weight?”  The Bible says, Cleanse your hands you sinners. (Jas.4:8)  Think about what you do with your hands. Let’s dedicate our hands to God to do His work.  Hands are an active part of our healthy lifestyle. You need to dedicate your hands to God and say, “God, I’m going to honor you with my hands. I’m going to please you with my hands.”  Use them to grab a bottle of water. Use them to detoxify your kitchen. Move your hands to select healthy foods and prepare healthy meals. Don’t use them to pick up unhealthy food.

Dedicate Your Feet

The Bible says the feet that are dedicated to God are beautiful. How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom. 10:15) You need to dedicate your feet to God and say, “God I want to be a witness for you, wherever my feet take me. Whether I go to church, to my job, to the grocery store or anywhere else, I want to be a witness for you. I’m not gong to allow these feet to take me to places that would displease you. Instead, I will use my feet to exercise and not walk into areas of temptation.”

Dedicate Your Ears

Have you wondered how your ears affect your diet?  Just think about all the information about food that comes to us through our ears.  We are bombarded with talk about food, not only from the media but also from any small group of people standing around chatting. Much of the time the conversation is about food. We must resist the temptation about food that comes to us through our ears. Eve fell into sin when she heard what the serpent said about the forbidden fruit and was encouraged to eat it.  She listened, she heard, she disobeyed. Let’s not listen to the temptation that comes through our ears. Use them to listen to praise music while you exercise. Use them to listen to good advice from others. Use them to listen to God’s voice.  Use them to listen to information that will bring better health. Don’t listen to words like “just a little won’t hurt you.”

With the holidays upon us, your healthy lifestyle will be tempted.  Don’t do it, don’t allow your body parts (hands, feet or ears) to lead you into temptation.   Remember, your body was made by God and for God.

Steve Reynolds

Steve Reynolds is the Senior Pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Annandale, VA.  He is also the author of the book Bod4God and the creator of the Losing to Live Weight Loss Competition.  Steve has lost over 100 pounds and has led his church to lose over three tons of weight.