Decision, or Oblivion?

It’s tragic, on multiple levels, to watch young Islam men blowing themselves up in the name of Allah.  They’re too young to be gripped by such hatred.  Innumerable lives are destroyed, all because they believed a lie.  Someone told them, likely an elder, that their god would be pleased if they killed Americans in his name.

The scary truth is we all believe lies, though gratefully with less severe consequences.   

We’re certain we want to do the drive-thru.  There’s no question in our minds we want to eat that hamburger, bag of chips or huge dinner.  And we’re absolutely sure we hate to exercise.

The power of our thoughts is significant.  It directs our choices and our lives.

Most maintain our actions are based on our core beliefs.   So observing Americans’ food choices, we must genuinely believe that what we eat has no impact on our health and our lives.  With all the donuts and cookies and cakes served at churches across the country each week, we’ve obviously decided to disregard our brothers’ and sisters’ health.  And since most in the congregation are sedentary, the consensus must be movement doesn’t matter.  Right?

As Jesus followers, are we responding to our core beliefs, or are we simply on auto-pilot?  Are we making thoughtful decisions about our physical self-care, or are we floating in oblivion?  Are we choosing from our convictions, or are we stuck in denial?

They say “Ignorance is bliss”.   Is the person who’s just been diagnosed with type II diabetes blissful?  What about those who are overweight or obese?  Are they living the abundant life Jesus promised? Does the physical condition of most in our family suggest we are living on lies?   “I can’t.  I need.  I must.  It doesn’t matter.  I don’t have time.”

 Do what you did and you’ll get what you got.

Will the church continue to have a commitment to cookies and cakes?  Is it time to rethink our core beliefs when serving food in our fellowship halls?  Jesus said the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  He calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.    He told us to separate ourselves from the things of this world.  Do our thoughts and actions relative to our temple-care reflect Jesus’ teachings, or are we simply choosing comfort over conviction?

Next time you hear yourself say “I just don’t have time to exercise” or you’re toting a tub of sweet treats to church, stop.  Ponder.  Pray. 

Choose thoughtfully.