There was a time when I could eat anything, at any time and lots of it, without any repercussions at all. In high school, I probably consumed 3,000 or more calories a day during basketball season.
Once, in my early 20s, I went to an ice cream shop and ate a dessert called, “The Pig’s Trough.” If one person ate it alone, it was free. Let’s just say it was not a costly night out and leave it at that. And we haven’t even talked about the all-you-can-eat catfish houses in south Louisiana that I frequented during my seminary days. All the time standing 6 feet, 2 inches and weighing less than 165 pounds.
Times have changed. Middle age spread is no longer merely a concept. I have to be careful with my diet, and I have increased my exercise regimen greatly in the last year. And right now, I’m not winning. The fact is that self-discipline is hard. I would rather eat more and exercise less. But at the same time, I hope to live a long and full life.
I have been introduced many times in earlier days as, “our young preacher.” I hope one day to be “the old preacher.”
Do you sometimes struggle with self-discipline? Do you have trouble pushing away from the table? Do you sometimes lose your temper? Do you say things you should not say? Do you waste time in activities you should avoid altogether?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, I have news for you. You are a human being. That means you have sinful tendencies. And if you answered “no” to all of them, you may not be telling the truth.
The concept of sin is in danger of extinction today. You don’t have to watch daytime television very long to hear someone declare, “I’m a good person.” But the fact is none of us is as good as we should be. That does not necessarily mean you are awful and terrible and horrible. But you are not all that you were created to be.
The first step to peace with God is a recognition – and confession – that you do not measure up to his standards. That is a very humbling admission to make. But it is essential if you are to know the Lord.
I would encourage you to take a long look in the mirror and consider who you really are. God created you to have a relationship with him. He is perfect in every way. We can only come to him as we admit our sinfulness, and seek his forgiveness.
Would you do that today? You will never make a more important decision in your life.