Over the weekend, I decided to indulge in a big juicy cheeseburger and fries. It was so good. Well, as I was sitting down and enjoying my greasy meal, in walked my husband Kenya with a large plate of raw broccoli and carrot sticks.
Instantly, guilt overtook me and I blurted, “Awww, are you trying to make me feel guilty?”
Kenya burst out laughing as he crunched on a green stem. “What babe?” He shrugged. “I was planning to eat this before. I thought you were gonna have some of this with me, but you said you wanted a burger and fries.”
I shook my head with a sarcastic smirk on my face. “Yeah, that was before ‘Mr. Fitness America’ decided to have a super healthy lunch!”
Although I still tore that burger up, guilt diminished its deliciously robust flavor. Somehow, my cholesterol-filled meal lost a bit of its appeal while the healthy alternative I should have been having was staring me in the face.
To add insult to injury, Kenya had purchased the fresh veggies from our local grocer after I, the cheeseburger-gobbler, mentioned I wanted some.
Yeah, I looked like a real winner, right? My reward was the shape of an “L” on my forehead. Even though Kenya didn't say anything (He's well acquainted with my on-again, off-again relationship with healthy food), I felt convicted.
Right then and there, while still smacking on fries, seeing Kenya do the right thing, made me want to be more accountable. It’s one thing to say “I want fresh vegetables,” but it’s another thing to choose to eat them when the option to munch on a burger is there also.
So I’m telling on myself today Daily Cup family.
Sometimes I rebel against healthy foods just for the sake of rebelling and I need to cut that out. At almost 35, my metabolism is not what it used to be and I have to respect that I’m no longer in my 20’s.
I’m sure you know how tough it can be to do the right thing. In an “inspired moment” we make a declaration that we’re going to improve in a certain area. But once that moment has passed, we retreat, regress, and repeat old behaviors.
That broccoli gets passed over for a burger. And those carrot sticks get kicked to the curb for those fries. For you it may be something else. Your Bible study time might get canceled while you watch your favorite television shows. Your bill payment may get pushed back to make room for a department store sale. Your time talking to God could get cut in half by your time spent talking to your friends and family. Your new "saved, single, and secure" status is put on hold when Mr. Wrong shows up again. Your commitment to a drama-free life is shelved when you give that toxic friendship one more try, knowing deep down how it will end up.
We all have weaknesses, struggles, and faults. And we all choose wrongly at times.
But aren’t you glad that each day presents a new opportunity to start all over again? God’s mercies are new every morning. We can start fresh! That’s why, today, I’m adding Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV to your cup of inspiration. It says, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll be reminded that none of us gets it right all the time. Anyone who says they are perfect is a liar. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
So instead of pretending to have it all together, we must be willing to do what James 5:16 says and confess our faults.
Don't ever be too proud to say, you know what? I messed that up... my bad.
When we admit our faults, we clear our conscience and open ourselves up to receive God’s forgiveness and unconditional love.
Whatever your weakness is, admit it. Trust God to give you strength. And when you falter, receive His forgiveness and start fresh.
Lord, as I daily strive to be more disciplined, accountable, and responsible, I still have moments of weakness when I miss the mark. When this happens, please, oh God, help me to be humble and honest enough to admit my mistakes. And touch my heart so that I will be open to receive the divine forgiveness and unfailing love You offer me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
