Author: Jodi Payne
As summer approaches, I find myself getting very anxious about my outward appearance. We have a beach trip planned and fun play dates around the pool will be scheduled. But, all of this “fun” requires me to take off my sweat pants and XXXXL t-shirt!
The great thing is that the beauty of summer does cause my body to crave more fruits and fresh salads, as well as looking forward to going to the park for trail walks and fun times on the playground. However, summer also brings with it (for some of us) …pressure! Pressure to “look” a certain way, to “be” a certain way, or to be a certain size.
I am all on board with the idea of our families getting more exercise and feeding our bodies healthier foods. But, I have to ask myself:
- Do I want to be healthier and more fit so that I can have endurance to face long, trying days?
- Do I want to set a healthy example for my children?
- Do I desire to help my body function as well as it can so that I will have the energy I need to fulfill my God-given calling?
Then I ask myself … or …
- Do I desire to look a certain way to impress others?
- Do I want attention drawn to my body?
- Am I trying to look like someone other than who God created me to be?
These are simple questions, but ones that I believe have a HUGE impact on our lives. I pray for myself, as well as other believers, that we will learn to discern our own thoughts and motives. As we shed our winter coats and get ready to embrace a fun-filled summer, may we also remember to keep God at the center of everything!
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others…” (Philippians 2:3)
“And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind HE will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. THEN you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
About the Author:
Jodi Payne is the wife of Beck Payne, Lead Pastor of Family Church in West Monroe, LA. They have 3 children; Gracen, Addelyn, and Hutson. Jodi is passionate about marriage, family, and mentoring women.