God’s Gym

2 Kings 17:7

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced.

Last year, because of health reasons, my husband went through a very strict diet. Being far away from us for six months helped him a lot in the discipline. Since there’s no one to prepare his meals and eat outs were expensive, his power drink was his best option. He felt great to have lost those 15 pounds. That was last year. Today, he had those fifteen back in his body. Although he flatters me that it’s because of my good cooking, he feels bad he wasn’t able to sustain his light weight. He tried some will power every other week, haha!, but it still fails him. There’s really no such thing as crash diets. It has to be a lifestyle change.       

If Israel was a diet, they we’re on the crash side. They’re forgetful, very stubborn, and so undisciplined. They cried for God’s deliverance from the cruelties of Egypt, and when He did, we see them worshipping the golden calves they left behind. They longed for the promise land, but when He gave, they were unwilling to drive away the pagan nations as instructed. It’s like wanting to be fit and healthy without giving up those sweets. In the book of Judges ‘til Solomon’s reign, it was a roller coaster ride with the scales. For as long as the instructors are watching, they’d keep their pace. But on rest stance and on special occasions, they’d break the fast. In time, the lapses grew long, became the norm, and having bulges was new fashion statement. Egypt and the pagan nations were no longer enemies, they called them allies. If before, they were running from them in fear, here in Hoshea’s reign, they were running to them for help. If before, they were hoping to have a land, an identity of their own, here we see them embracing another’s culture, making it their own. They grew obese in sin and sadly, they care not.

All sin leads to death. But when it comes to tempt us, it is never dressed up in bitter taste. It is often sugar-coated and appealing to the eye. It first lures us, then will entice us, and when the desire has conceived, it will give birth to sin, leading to death. Addiction follows the same trend. Just a day, a step, a taste. It will not readily hurt us or anyone. We see no need in raising our guard – ‘til it’s too big. Then it’s too late.  Sure, crash spirituality is a good jumpstart. New year can be a good timing. But without consistency, it will be just another diet. What the Bible teaches is a lifestyle of godliness. A daily walking with God – reading His Word, saying a prayer, watching Him move. Big leaps of faith do start from little steps of faithfulness. It may look trivial, may appear no-brainer, but mind you, the basics are the hardest to do. So if it’s your first time back at God’s gym, I have some few tips here: Commit to a Schedule, Start Small, Get a Buddy, Avoid Long Breaks, and of course, Make it Fun! Who says a work out with God is boring? Challenging yes, but never boring. Ready to get into your best shape ever? Let's go!