Matthew 16:24
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me."
I have a good
friend who, like most of us, has struggled with losing weight and keeping
it off. He had lost several pounds some time back and was feeling much
better and making his doctor happy. Having denied himself for so long the
food that he wanted, he began to snack a little and soon gained a few pounds
back. ...Back at the doctor for his check-up his doctor was none too
happy. Told him to get back on his diet and if he got hungry, "Eat
a cucumber."
You'd have to
know my friend, but he and I had a good laugh over what his doctor said.
Go home and eat a cucumber... When you're craving a bag of chips,
eat a cucumber. When you want a few cookies, eat a cucumber. When
you want some pizza, eat a cucumber. When you're craving chocolate, eat a
cucumber. Want some coconut cake...pecan pie...reeses cups...pound cake...
"eat a cucumber."
We've all been
there when it comes to trying to lose weight...and then once we've lost it
keeping it off. It ain't easy. We get the idea after a while that
we can have a few snacks and we won't gain weight. We lie to ourselves
saying things like "one piece of cake won't hurt." And then a
month later we're struggling to button our pants. Denying yourself
what you want is hard work.
Jesus said
following Him included denying yourself and taking up your cross.
Becoming a Christian is one of the easiest things you'll ever do.
Being a Christian is one of the most difficult things you'll ever do.
Some days I think I'm doing pretty good. Other days I wonder
if I'll ever make any progress. On most days I'd rather have an Oreo than
a cucumber. On most days I have problems with my self.
Today, once
again, I am recommitted to "coming after Christ and
following Him..." Anyone with me? M
