Losing Any Weight Lately?

Well, I did it.  When the New Year started four months ago, I told my wife, Joye, that I was bound and determined to lose weight.  I had gotten out of shape and overweight over the past few years, and at my age, it was limiting my effectiveness in all areas of life.

Last weekend I lost my fortieth pound and officially passed my goal on the 117th day of my diet. 

People have asked me how I did it, like there is a secret I know that they have yet to discover.  It's been a hard one for me to answer, since the key in my opinion has simply been focused determination.  Sure, I cut out certain things from my diet and added a regular exercise routine to my daily schedule.  These things obviously made a big difference physically.  But I'm personally convinced that my singleminded focus is what finally got me across the threshold. 

All along the way there were little temptations to steer me off-track.  Snacks brought into the office, lunches out with ministry leaders, variations in meal routine, even comments that I was "close enough"...but I was passionately determined to get to the goal, and refuse to settle for anything less.

I share this, because throughout the process I've had considerable time to reflect on weight loss in a spiritual, congregational context.  I personally believe that there are a lot of churches that need to "lose weight."  They're out of shape and that limits their effectiveness.  They need to become more fit and make strides toward removing the excess weight of programming, etc. that keeps them from their optimal ministry for our Lord.  Could the key be focused determination?  Would it help if our churches were reminded of the reason they exist and with singular, resolute focus on the mission of Christ, they moved forward to accomplish His mandate for them? 

WARNING!  There will be many subtle (or not so subtle!) distractions you'll find along the way that will test your determination to stay on course.  Don't give in!!! 

It's a matter of the will.

And if you keep your focus, you too will be amazed at how much can be accomplished in a surprisingly short time.