Clarksville TN – According to Dr. Henry Cloud, “Growth is not only about getting healthy, but about learning ways of living as well.”1
In the last year I have gone through a dramatic physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal in my life. Along with growing closer in my walk with Christ, growing deeper in my personal relationships, and experiencing promotion and favor in my professional endeavors, I have lost and kept off over 80 pounds.
I am in the best shape of my life in every way possible.
People often ask me “What did you do?” My answer is often “I did not do as much as I became.” What I mean by that is that by changing my thinking (Romans 12:1-2), my actions and life have followed. I developed a “healthy hate” for spiritual and physical sickness in my life, which resulted in spiritual and physical health. I have come to understand and truly value the concept of lifestyle change. For years I applied the concept to spirituality. Now, I am applying this concept to every area of my life.For the last several weeks I have been wrestling with some of my personal “blind spots”. In the process, when I have seen my shortcomings in others those faults have been amplified more than usual. I believe this is due largely to the fact that I am repulsed by what I cannot stand about my own sinfulness. I am developing a “healthy hate” toward the attitudes and practices (not the people) that hold back Christ-likeness and God-given potential.
According to Cloud, “Character is in part formed by what we hate, because we often move to be different from whatever that is.”2 For example, I have been frustrated lately with people in my life who fail to complete tasks on time or who are not keeping their word regarding commitments. At first I thought my frustration was coming from a projection of my shortcomings onto them. I now realize that my frustration comes more from my hate for un-commitment and broken promises. Thus, I do not want those qualities in my life.
2013 can be a great year for you if you develop a “healthy hate” for the things that are holding you back. For some, you need to develop a “healthy hate” for bad food and inactivity. Others, you need to develop a “healthy hate” for laziness and moral compromise. I encourage you to not wait a year to begin the journey toward growth and health. Start today by making war against the behaviors and attitudes that held you back in 2012. Don’t leave anything on the field in 2013. Go all out.
Here’s to a great year!