Spiritual Obesity

Obesity results when there is more input than output.

When we take in more nourishment than we are using, the body stores it as fat. As this fat accumulates:

• we have less energy
• our ability to do things is impaired
• our health is impaired
• we are less attractive.

The same is true in the spiritual realm.

When we spend too much time feeding at the spiritual trough compared to the amount of ministry we do, we become spiritually obese. We risk becoming one of those who are "ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." Paul told the Corinthians, "by now you should be teachers..." but they were content to remain immature spectators rather than active participants. It reminds me of one description of a football game: 22 guys running around on the field desperately in need of some rest and 22,000 spectators sitting in the stands desperately in need of some exercise.

With physical obesity, the solution is to decrease intake and increase output. In the spiritual realm, the same applies but with the greater emphasis being on increasing output. I'm not saying you should quit reading your Bible. But maybe instead of attending another Bible study, you could be leading one. Spiritual sustenance is one of those things that seems most effective when put to use sharing with others.

I would love to close here with a lovely platitude about God having mercy on us and helping us to spiritually "get in shape." Unfortunately, it isn't that easy. That's like expecting God to help me lose weight without ever putting down the Cheeto's or getting off the sofa. I wish it worked that way, but it just doesn't.

Battling Obesity

I've struggled with obesity for many years. I've been on more diets than I can count and have lost hundreds of pounds. The only problem is I always found them again. They were right there on the sofa or the recliner waiting (or is it weighting) for me. I am afraid that the only long term solution is increased activity (otherwise known as exercise.) I have to get up off my butt and do the things I know to do. 

The same is true of spiritual obesity. After years of teaching, there is nothing left to do but...

just do it.

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