United Fresno

While we’re on the subject of skipping meals (and I hope you’re doing well with your fasting), let’s talk about another common reason why we might just forget to eat. This one is probably pretty common amongst those trying to lose weight— crash dieting.

I won’t pick on this too much except for simply mentioning that “crash dieting” is usually the byproduct of a lifetime or a long period of time of being undisciplined. In other words, you overkill on doing the “right thing” to make up for years of doing the wrong thing. Sounds like there might be some spiritual nugget in there…

Let’s get back to that verse in Chronicles: “’[If] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and will heal their land’” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

I want to concentrate on that part that talks about “turn[ing] from [our] wicked ways.” The truth is that there was and always has been “crash diet religion” in the lives of God’s people. What does that look like? Well, I think it’s the idea that we get from those commercials for those machines that zap our muscles without us working out: “you can change without really changing.” Crash diets seem really noble at the time. “Wow, look at that person’s discipline!” But, when it comes down to it, more than likely the person isn’t really going to change (adopting a healthy diet, exercise habits, etc.) Where’s the good in that?

The idea of turning from our wicked ways goes way, way beyond saying “I’m sorry” or feeling guilty about it. It even goes beyond making oaths to friends or standing up or crying at youth retreats. It is about addressing the sin head on and making choices to move in a right direction. God calls His people to “turn from their wicked ways.” There’s really no crash way to do that. I am thankful, though, for all the support that I receive through the rest of my Christian friends to help me stay on the right path, the healthy path. Do you have people to help you?

“Jesus, I come to You now, admitting that there have been far too many times where I’ve just said ‘I’m sorry’ or felt guilty about the sin in my life. _________ (be honest with God). Jesus, I know that Your death on the Cross cleansed me from that sin; but, Jesus, I want to live a life that honors You as I live on this earth. Jesus, that I would grow closer and closer to You every day and cast aside those habits and behaviors that just don’t match up with a life that honors You. I want to turn away. Help me to turn away from my wicked ways. Amen.”