Bible Study Part #10

Contentment vs. Comparison

A healthy path of transformation does not happen overnight. Everyone transforms at different speeds. Our nutrition needs are slightly different. We stress over different things. Each of us has different strengths and weaknesses.

Diversity is a beautiful thing when we’re thinking about the Kingdom. But diversity can be tough when it comes to wellness. There is no “one size fits all”. To a degree, we are all unique science experiments.

Consistency and dedication are essential to get our temples in top-notch working order for the Lord. The journey back to “well-th” moves from a duty to a discipline and finally to a delight, which is best accomplished through community. Let’s make fitness and wellness a part of our discipleship.

#FiTscipleship

We can learn how to be relentless warriors for God through the life of Daniel. Daniel was fervent and unapologetic in his devotion to God (Daniel 1:8; 6:1-4; 6:16-23). And God raised him up to do many unbelievable tasks for Him.  

Commitment and devotion takes patience and focusing on what the Lord is doing to transform you and you alone!  Recall: Comparison kills contentment!

The only true antidote to comparison is contentment.

Contentment begins with a heart of gratitude. The comparison trap compels us to turn inward. We focus on ourselves so we see only what we lack, what caused our discontentment. Gratitude, on the other hand, compels us to turn our attention to others. It’s like a healing ointment used on a fragile or damaged heart.

When we are grateful, we don’t see what we lack. Instead, we see the generosity and faithfulness of a good Father and are compelled to meet the needs of others.

Just like we discipline our hands to save and give regularly, we also need to discipline our eyes to look upon what truly matters (Psalm 103). The things of eternal value cannot be found on Pinterest, or Instagram, or Facebook or any other social media platform.

How many times have we missed an opportunity to be stewarding our own lives because we were too busy scrolling through someone else’s?

 

Remain in the Word

When you face the temptation of the comparison trap, it’s important to have the Word of God hidden in your heart to combat it.

Remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.” (Ephesians 5:8-10)

You’re to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

You’re called to remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord….knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

You’re not to “become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:26)

Instead of checking Instagram, “Delight yourselves in the Lord,” knowing “he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Remember, you don’t have to do this on your own. You have a coach. You have a community. AND YOU HAVE JESUS! So many people forget that they can go to God in the positive health space.  We’re used to going to God in the trial, once something is wrong, once we’re sick, once we’re struggling with something. What about approaching our heavenly Father on a regular basis as a part of the Father child relationship?

 

“Pray Without Ceasing…”

You could pray something like this, “Lord, protect the health of my family, my staff, and my church family.”

Perhaps when the enemy is tempting us to eat those Oreo cookies for the third time today, we stop. Instead, cry out to our Father, asking Him to step in and provide His strength and to let the enemy know he is NOT welcome here.

Pray right then and there.

Then assess the situation. Ask “what is the root of this desire?” ” What is going on in my life that I am tempted here and now?” “Could I be tired, dehydrated or frustrated?”

Satan’s goal is to make us feel weak, useless and ultimately to destroy us.

Fight his attacks in your mind, body and soul with the truths of Scripture! You have a loving God Who goes before you, provides for you, covers you, leads you, encourages you, equips you and empowers you.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Make no mistake…Salvation and the changing of men’s hearts comes through God’s spirit and His word. Not through our fitness. Let us purpose to train our bodies for the work of the gospel and remember in our hearts that Jesus promised to build His church and return. Fitness is a good thing but God’s word is a forever thing.

 

Godspeed,

The MissionFiT Team