For it is necessary that temptations come…. Matthew 18:7
I wish I could say that I don’t struggle anymore with body image.
I wish I could say that in Christ I am 100% confident in who He created me to be and my external appearance doesn’t matter to me.
I wish I could say that I always default to the Good News when the news of the scale is not so good.
But, obviously, based on my encounter this morning with my scale (don’t we hate those things), I can’t say any of that.
Because, just curious of what’d it would tell me, I stepped up on it.
And darn it. I realized that this is one thorn in my side I will always bear.
The temptation to Chase Skinny.
But you’d be proud. My first inclination, no joke, was to make coffee, turn on the computer and Google “My Fitness Pal.” My initial response was to set myself up a plan of calorie restrictive torture and pencil in five-mile runs for the next 30 days.
But as I stood at my coffee pot, contemplating how to get that number on the scale in a favorable position, I heard God speak. Even louder than the personal fitness trainer in my head.
Seek me first, Becky. Don’t you dare go to My Fitness Pal. Come to my Word. For where your treasure is, your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21,33)
Sweet words of caution from my Jesus.
So I listened. And it was physically a struggle to NOT click on Google.
And this was waiting for me in Matthew…
It is necessary that temptations come.
Necessary.
For if I went the rest of my life without having to face this temptation again, how would I know if I have overcome it? How would I know if I have grown in my faith?
It is necessary that I face this old temptation to “chase skinny” … so I can put it back in its place in light of Jesus.
It is necessary for me to practically apply the real Truth….that I am more than an overcomer in Christ. That in Him … I have overcome the world (the scale included). That where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom. It is necessary for me to remember that I am Free Indeed from the power of sin.
So.
I have to admit, this one hurts to write. I want you to think better of me, really.
But, I am a sinner. And I need Jesus. And I know we all have temptation struggles. They are just different.
Some struggle with spending. Or lying. Or gossip. Or jealousy. Or lust. Or whatever.
But it is necessary that temptations come. So we can be sure of who He is. And where we are.
This we must weigh in…He is our freedom.
So…. get ya some of that scale.
I don’t serve you.
{Yes, I just stuck out my tongue.}
Reflect and Respond
Are you with me today? Do you ever feel this way, too?
Do you ever feel as though you have “nipped your greatest temptations in the bud” just to find out they still haunt you, too? Talk to me, Goose.
Power Verses:
Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Becky Crenshaw 
Awe sweet BC, I love this post. I love when the Lord speaks to you. I love when you obey him. I love when you share, like really share your struggles and where that struggle leads you (into. his. arms.). I love you. This is such a great post. Love you, love chasing skinny and the beautiful BC that you have become.
I love you, too. Thank you EB.
Oh, I needed that this Monday morning!
So good!
Thanks Betsy. xoxo
Funny thing, because you know me too well. Chose not to weigh this morning. This has been a weekend of the same battle. Sometimes freedom seems so far away and so daunting! We know all the “bibleze” but man some days…..and then our pastor starts talking about audacious sacrifice and what is god calling ou to sacrifice for your family/children and I clearly hear my workouts! Where does that take me but down the slippery slope of “oh my goodness, how will I eat so I don’t gain weight if I have to cut back”!! And then I am reminded I don’t serve my flesh! I am an overcomer and then he sends me this! Thanks!! Love you friend! Sorry so long!
“Audacious Sacrifice.” Love that.
I found this while pouring over Psalm 139 . . . “I praise you because I am fearfully and WONDERFULLY made; your works are WONDERFUL, I know that FULL well.” (Psalm 139:14)
AND, you know those swords that “shing, shing” all the time? Why don’t you introduce one of those to your scale? 😉
Jenny! This made me laugh out loud! LOVE IT! SHING!
I completely understand! I still feel this way at times, too. What a feeling of victory to face the temptation and RESIST! 🙂
YES!
Julie Hobbs sent me this link and it was exactly what I needed to read today. Thanks for being so open!
Praise the LORD, Tami!
Wow, my temptation today was not of food but of words used to attack me. I (key word) was tempted to respond but withheld and let Jesus respond with calm words saying that people change. I walked away sad for this person but I have freedom from my past and am thankful God allows me these opportunities to show my spiritual growth and to overcome the temptation to respond in a negative manner (the old me). Love you!!
TONYA!! THIS IS HUGE!! PRAISE THE LORD!
Great Becky! My struggle is different, but it all applies. God has been showing me also how much I need Him. I like what Tonya above said about responding in the “old me”. That is right, we are new creations, no more responding in the “old me”! Oh, how I need you, Jesus.
Oh that scale…especially these days : ) Thanks for helping me to put things in perspective.