Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

It’s the beginning of a new year. For many, that means goals and resolutions. Most people make big plans for the coming year. “New year, new you” and all that. It’s all about the chase, the pursuit. Frankly, the hype. But today’s verse gives us something else to think about.

Pursue these things: Righteousness. Faith. Love. Peace.

Nowhere in this verse, or anywhere else in the Bible, are we told to pursue weight loss. I can’t find anything that commands me to shed pounds or go on a diet in order to become a new and better person. In fact, those things could be seen as the “evil desires” this verse tells me to flee. The pursuit of weight loss only distracts and leads away from the life God wants us to pursue.

I spent many Januarys desiring a thinner body and pursuing anything that promised to give me that. Doing so only made me feel less loved, left me lacking peace of mind, and had me focusing on “poor ol’ me.” 

For sure, you and I are to be good stewards of our bodies. It’s the only one we have. God entrusted it to us, not to manipulate, but to use it to be about His business – to love others. 

If you feel compelled to set a goal this year, resolve to put God first. Spend time with Him and in His Word each day. If you need to make some habit changes, build that healthy life on a firm foundation of faith. 

Action Step: Instead of pursuing weight loss in 2023, pursue these things: Righteousness. Faith. Love. Peace. When you put your energy into pursuing Christ, you’ll become the best version of yourself. And that’s what makes you beautiful. 

Happy Sunday!

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