Galatians 5: 16-18
Since I struggle with my weight, I’m constantly searching for ways to make dieting easier. Experience has taught me that no matter how much I pay for diets and gym memberships, there is only one absolute method for success: the self discipline to eat less, exercise more. It works every time.
One of the diet “clubs” that I’ve joined through the years was called, “Less of Me.” The group provided the encouragement of fellowship with others who struggled just like I did. There is great strength in fellowship with people who know exactly what I’m going through.
John the Baptist spoke of Jesus saying, “He must increase and I must decrease” (John 3:30). The difference between the spiritual “less of me” concept and the weight loss version is; with Jesus, there’s something to fill the void.
Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life that we could know HIM intimately. More than just the surface relationship of supportive friends at a weight loss group; an intimate emotional relationship like a husband loves his wife.
Like eating less and staying physically fit, spiritual fitness requires self discipline. We should challenge ourselves; make a conscious effort to make “more of Jesus” one of our daily goals. Just like a plan for physical fitness, it will require both discipline and action.
As difficult as it is to set a time for daily exercise; setting a time for daily Bible study and prayer can be even more of a challenge. The first step is to make a plan; but the most important step is to DO it.
Nothing I do that benefits my physical self or my spiritual self is easy to accomplish. The old adage, “no pain no gain” holds true in many areas of life, including doing the things that make me both physically AND spiritually healthy.
However, the “less of me more of Jesus” concept has not only a benefit for today but for eternity as well. The inner self wants to be physically and spiritually healthy, but without hands on discipline, both will fail. More of Jesus, less of —me; like a successful diet and exercise plan, requires not only motivation but also planning and participation.
Galatians 5: 16-18 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to do the things that will make your presence in my life grow. Help me to set up a time of Bible study and prayer daily and to discipline myself to fellowship with believers at church. I really do want my life to have more of you and less of me. Amen.
Scriptural Reference:
John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less.