The Balance

Although we are not what we weigh it is important to recognize that there is another extreme that Christians are likely to gravitate to. Laziness, indulgence and neglect. Yes, we are not defined by the world's standards and no, we should not measure ourselves by an impossible image of beauty BUT neither are we exempt from the devestating effects of abusing our physical bodies.
Overeating, or gluttony (a much less politically correct term) is rampant in the church and not only does it reflect poorly on our Lord, but combined with lack of phyical activity, it cuts short the very lives that our saviour poured out His life to redeem. I think overeating (even simply overeating foods that are harming us) is more prevelant amoung Christians because it is more socially acceptable than drinking, smoking, doing drugs, indulging in sexual sins and so on. Even though we confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we inadvertantly turn to food for pleasure and comfort. It's the flesh's last stand. I'll give up everything else, but don't take away.....(you fill in the blank).
So how do we know if there is a genuine problem or if we are being obsessive? There is a phyical approach and a spiritual approach to diagnosing where we stand in the battle of the bulge. I will address both informally:

Phyical Indicators

• BMI (Body Mass Index)-This chart takes your height and weight and assigns a numerical value. The ideal BMI is between 20-25. At my most fit, I had a BMI of 17 and still was unhappy and desiring more results. This is an example of unhealthy obsession. Now I'm more like a 23 and of course, I feel morbidly obese, but I have come to realize that the facts speak otherwise. Find a chart and locate yourself on it. You may be like me or in your case, the facts may say that you are above 25 and are now in a zone that increases your risk of illness & disease. If this is you, then I encourage you to heed the warning and tighten your belt. Not out of shame or trying to glorify your flesh--but in order that you can serve God and others with a long, healthy life!
• Body Fat-The one fault of the BMI is that it doesn't take body fat into consideration. You can have two women the same age, height, and weight....let's say 135lbs. One can have a lower body fat reading and the other could have a higher body fat reading. These women will likely appear very different. The one with the higher body fat (assuming the other is within healthy guidelines of course) is likely to be the one more at risk for injury, illness & disease. Have your body fat tested and if you are above the recommended guidelines, exercise and diet alteration will help bring you to a safer reading.
• Injury, sickness & disease-This is the last indicator I will speak of. If your body is not working properly and you are showing outward signs, then you need to take heed. Muscle pulls while doing everyday activities, a persistantly run-down immune system, diabetes, heart disease etc. are sure signs that your body needs more attention. Don't wait until it gets to this point to take care of yourself. Do something now!

Spiritual Indicators

• Holy Spirit-As Christians who have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, been water-baptized, and have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we have a tremendous benefit! The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to guide us in our day to day life. It's God's inner voice of truth within us. If you are sensitive to the Spirit, you will hear his quiet, gentle leading in all matters. If you are not hearing, perhaps it is because you have turned up the "noise" around you or have deliberately ignored his leading so long that you have become desensitized. I say this from experience. The good news is that you can quiet the outside distractions and be obedient again if you choose. If you do, you will be amazed to find that you will be at peace. Disobedience to the Spirit within us creates inner conflict and when that conflict is gone, it is almost a shock. Most of us don't even realize what inner peace is.
• The Word of God-I want to quantify the above indicator with this safety check. If your "inner voice" is telling you to do something that is contrary to the theme and teaching of the Bible, it is not the "Holy Spirit". God's word is not silent when it comes to food issues and more importantly, the attitudes of the heart. If you read the Bible and it speaks to a behaviour in your life that needs to be addressed, then you are truely blessed because God is speaking to you! I would listen.
• Authority-One excellent, but secondary way to know if we need help is to ask those who watch over us. Parents, spouses, mentors and involved spiritual leaders are great sounding boards if we are having difficulty sifting external informaton and inner struggles. If we are getting a little "out there" in an area of our life, we need to be open to receive guidance from the individuals who are invested in our life success. Remember though, that you cannot abdicate your responcibilities to someone else. You are accountable for your decisions and need to make sure that they are your own.

Obsessed with your physical appearance or lulled into slothful complacency? Look into the mirror of truth using these physical and spiritual indicators and confront yourself. You are not alone, but only you can decide to get help and take the next step towards true health in all areas of your life!