As the title indicates, Chapter 7 of Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst is about finding our identity in Christ, not in the number on the scales. Weigh-ins are good in that they can keep us on track and tell us which direction we're going, maybe indicate a need to do something differently, or encourage us, when the numbers go down, that things are going well. But we've all experienced those times when we're doing everything by the book, and the pounds don't come off, and we're discouraged.
God accepts us on the basis of Christ's finished work on the cross and our belief in Him. When we enter in that relationship with Him, He is our Father. He is not going to cast us off or disown us if the scales aren't right where we'd like them to be. He will probably convict us if we're "cheating" or not doing what we need to do, but His acceptance of us is not based on our numbers.
Lysa tells of a time when a mention by someone else of a sister's being "so overweight" at a certain number - the number Lysa was currently at - and how in times past that would have thrown her for a loop, but this time God brought to her mind truth from His Word. She underscores the importance of filling our minds with His truth so we won't get tripped up.
She also brings back the idea of the deeper purpose for what we're doing, and the fact that "we grow closer to God as we learn to look and act more and more like Him. The Bible calls this participating in His divine nature" (p. 71K). She then discusses II Peter 1:3-11:
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[a] his own glory and excellence,[b] 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,[c] and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers,[e] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Participating in the Made to Crave Bible Study hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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