I used to be a people-pleaser. I wanted everyone to like me and to be my friend. More than anything, I wanted to finally fit in with the crowd, any crowd. However, God has always orchestrated events in my life that caused the opposite to take place. People often do not like me. I have few true friends, and I generally do not fit in with “clicks” and “in crowds.” It has been that way since pre-school. For much of my life, I struggled to become acceptable in the eyes of others. I tried to fit into their molds. I attempted to be the type of person they would welcome, but it was all in vain. Every time I thought I was finally “at home” in a crowd, God made sure I did not get comfortable. Eventually, I took the hint, recognized the clues, and solved the puzzle He had given me.
I was never meant to fit in. I was created to stand apart, to be original, to be unique. If I was like the rest of them, God could not use me for His purpose because, like them, I would limit His power to getting new cars on someone else’s credit or getting caught up on bills while still drowning in debt. Eating as an Act of Worship Ministries exists because God made me “peculiar” (1 Peter 2:9). I am peculiar in my belief in Him, in my walk with Him, and in my worship of Him. I am different enough to believe that He is not only real, but He still speaks directly to His children and guides us in all our ways. And I do not believe an ordained minister is the only person or method He uses to get a message to His people. Perhaps the most peculiar thing about me is my belief that every action I take, every word I speak, even everything I eat and drink is a form of worshipping my God!
Consequently, in public restaurants, you might see me eat all of the toppings off of a slice of pizza but leave the crust behind because that is the only way to eat for His glory by conforming to my diet plan at the time. At a conference where box lunches are provided, I discard chips, buns, and cookies and make lettuce wraps out of what remains of the sandwich, then grab a bottle of water instead of the plentiful sodas on hand. As you might guess, my eating habits draw not only the attention of others, but it also generates questions, which present opportunities to share my faith with a room full of people who are overweight, diagnosed with obesity related diseases, dealing with eating disorders, and fast-tracking to an early death.
Is it hard being stared at, talked about, and ostracized for simply obeying God and being who He called me to be? Yes, but it is also worth it! Being different gives others confidence that it is alright for them to embrace who they were meant to be in Christ, too. Most importantly, as I look around at those who stare at me strangely, I cannot help but notice that many of them are overweight or otherwise living lives of disobedience.
Therefore, I choose to always endeavor to please the perfect, righteous, One True Living God instead of fickle, hateful, deceitful, sinful human beings. I encourage you to dare to be different. Get healthy and fit God’s way and be one of His chosen people who dwells in the Promised Land of Healthy and Fit for Life!If you are ready to stop pleasing people and serve the One True Living God in regard to your health and fitness, register today for the Eating as an Act of Worship Ministries Health and Fitness Class. The course begins on August 21, 2023, at 6:00 pm CST via Zoom.
Space is limited so go to www.eatingasanactofworshipministries.org to register now! Then purchase your copies of the Eating as an Act of Worship Workbook and the Eating as an Act of Worship Teacher’s Edition online today at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com. The classes and books will teach you the biblical principles regarding the body, dieting, exercising, and maintaining a healthy body for the glory of God. Read our weekly blog for motivation to stay healthy and fit through Christ. Follow us daily on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for recipes, and diet and exercise tips. Tune in to our syndicated radio show on iTunes, Spotify the DFW
