During the recent Chicago trip, I was reflecting on something I read…about a man who had finally shed the excess pounds. He stated that he had to reconnect with the reality of his situation. He had previously engaged in irrational thinking by convincing himself that he should be able to live the way he wanted and still lose weight. I thought about that and realized that I have done the same thing. I get frustrated when I make minor changes and I don't see results. The truth is…if I want to see results, I am going to have to be willing to pay the full price and do what it takes to be healthy and in shape. I also realized that people who are in excellent health DO pay the daily price for that health. They make the time to exercise and eat right and make their personal fitness a priority in their lives. Am I willing to do the same? As I have sought to answer that questions for myself, I have faced some of the truths about making real change in my personal fitness level.
- Exercising for 20 minutes a day on the elliptical—while a good activity—is not enough exercise to shed the excess pounds.
- Small changes in my eating habits (while holding on to some big bad habits) are not going to result in a big weight loss.
- A challenging and rigorous daily exercise routine along with a defined healthy eating plan are the price I have to pay to realize my desired outcomes.
As I processed this information, I happened to listen to a conference talk by Elder Uchtdorf which resonated with me. Since changing my lifestyle is an emotional and spiritual effort combined with physical work, the following statement hit home.
If we believe that God knows all things, is loving, and is merciful, we will be able to put our trust in Him for our salvation without wavering. Faith in Christ will change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with God's will.
Do I believe that God knows all things and is loving and merciful? Yes! Have I put my trust in Him that through faith in Christ I can have my thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors changed? In many areas of my life, yes, I have, but I haven't applied this to my personal fitness. To me, this is key to my success. To trust in the Lord that He wants what is best for me—He wants me to develop my full potential—and that being healthy is an important part of that potential. He also will help me change my thoughts and my beliefs so that the corresponding or consequential behaviors lead me to my desired outcomes.
Have you had any experiences with faith in which you were able to have your thoughts, beliefs, and then behaviors changed?
No comments:
Post a Comment