I Hate My Body

I read this article right after a devotional that included Gen 1:26-27 and 2 Cor 10:5. What an encouragement! I believe this was not a coincidence.

Genesis 1:26-27 ERV

Then God said, “Now let’s make humans who will be like us. They will rule over all the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. They will rule over all the large animals and all the little things that crawl on the earth.”   So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female.

2 Corinthians 10:5 ERV

and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

The article talks about using mindfulness and compassion to think differently about your body. I find it relatively easy to do this with others and for others. It is my work and my passion, but I don't do this for myself. I am sure it is some combination of trying to be less selfish and a twisted way to "deny my flesh." I'm not sure I/we have been going about it correctly.

What if I was grateful to God for the quality of my taste buds rather than getting mad at myself for wanting chocolate? What if I then took one bite of the chocolate and then walked away?

By this, I would be mindful and grateful and not eat the whole bag. For some of us, that would be a game changer. I could really enjoy one bite of the brownie and then be okay with stopping rather than hating myself and my weakness when I go for another.

Denying my selfishness while also living gratefully for the body God has given me would change the parts of me I hate.

Punishing myself would possibly get my body healthy. But I think this is part of the thinking that has kept me obese. (Beth Moore suggested we get real...here goes!) What if my fitness approach was an extension of my gratitude? What if I looked at self control as an actual extension of living a spiritual life rather than punishment?

Thank you, Lord, for a body that works. Please help me to remember that.