Warning 1…I usually saturate my emails with scripture, but this week I’ll give you the Truth and YOU find the verses.  Of course, if you need help, just call or email! 

Warning 2:  Very practical, but a little raw.

I’M FAT!

Well, that was one of the big lies that we aimed our spiritual guns at last Monday evening.  But what do I mean I’M FAT is a lie?  That’s what is so funny about the FAT topic…it goes something like this:

A friend comments:  I’M FAT

I respond: Oh, no you're not.  You look fine.

But what if my friend IS FAT!  Now what?  Did I just LIE to him (in the name of being nice)?  Or, was I telling my friend they weren’t fat so I could reinforce their lie by inferring, “Of course you’re not fat because if you were that would make you…..LESS.”  Less valuable, less worthy or less of a person.  Kinda ironic because of course there’d be a lot MORE of him. : ) (This is the place you roll your eyes).  Ok, on with the show.

What about this?

A friend comments:    I’M FAT

I respond: So you think you are overweight?

A friend comments: Yes, it’s making me miserable

I respond: Why does being fat make you miserable?   (See 6 answers below)

THE 4 STEP OVERLOAD!

Why does being fat make you miserable?

(Thought) Because other people won’t like me if I’m fat (may lead to Disappointment)
     
(Lie)  Other people need to like me for me to feel good about myself.

(Truth) If other people reject me that is their choice, my worth is not based on their opinions, I’m totally accepted by God…and that’s enough for me.

(Fruit) Peace

Now find an applicable verse to put in the first person and renew your mind!

(Thought) Because, I just can’t do it (may lead to Hopelessness)

(Lie) I’m not self disciplined…that’s why I’m fat!

(Truth) WRONG.  Self control is a fruit of the Spirit.  Self control is something that emanates from what I’m thinking.  The truth is that once I capture the thoughts that are causing my self control to wane…game over for the enemy!

(Fruit) Self Control

           
Now find an applicable verse to put in the first person and renew your mind!

(Thought) Because I hate myself when I’m fat (may lead to Self-loathing)

(Lie) I’m not worth loving if I’m overweight.

(Truth) My worth doesn’t come from weight, it comes from God…wow, if I’m good enough for God I’m good enough for me. 

(Fruit) Love

 
Now find an applicable verse to put in first person and renew your mind!

(Thought) Because, I have not clothes that fit me anymore. (may lead to Envy or Frustration)

(Lie) I want what I don’t have and I want it now!

(Truth) Having clothes that fit would be nice, but I don’t need them to feel good about myself.  They don’t make me who I am…I know whose I am already.

(Fruit) Contentment

Now find an applicable verse to put in the first person and renew your mind!

(Thought) Because my weight is going to kill me (may lead to Fear)

(Lie) I’ll die early because I’m fat.

(Truth) I have no idea when I’m going to die and dying is not so bad, so I have nothing to fear!  However, I do enjoy healthiness.  Healthiness is powerful and supports my spiritual, emotional and physical life. 

(Fruit) No more Fear.

Now find an applicable verse to put in the first person and renew your mind!

(Thought) I believe my eating habits are sinful. (may lead to Guilt)

(Lie) My sinful actions devalue me as a person.

(Truth) My value comes from God and God alone, not from what I do or how I look!  The thoughts I choose to think determine the sins I commit.  I have total control over choosing my thoughts.  Today I’m choosing to believe that food has no power over me and I’m taking back the remote control (that I handed over to that Big Mac last night!).  Water is the well spring of my life and movement energizes me.  I’m choosing to refocus right now, this day, in this hour and this minute.  I’m not looking back or forward, just staying in the Truth in this moment.

(Fruit) Discipline

Now find an applicable verse to put in the first person and renew your mind!
(if you struggle with a verse here…check out Romans 8:1)

So, IF I THINK ALL THESE THINGS, WILL I GET SKINNY?

No, no, no, no, no!  I didn’t say that. 

What I’m saying is that if you are FAT you don’t have to feel: hopeless, angry, frustrated, upset, jealous, anxious, depressed etc. etc. etc.!

You can be Fat AND Happy!  (more eye rolling please)

In other words…if you are asking how to have peace and joy when you are FAT…then we’ve fired a bazooka at the issue!

And if you want me to tell you my thoughts that assisted me in losing a little weight, then send me a check for $89 and I’ll sell you the secrets of losing weight.  JUST KIDDING…I have no infomercial product!

However, in all seriousness.  Regardless if you are fat or skinny your value and worth are all the same to God.  And all the same to me!  I feel no different about you, my wife, my kids or myself regardless if skinny or fat…that is not the source of your value!  We are finally free from the emotional turmoil of the skinny and fat games we play. 

We are free!

Have a great week

Derek