Many people follow a strict diet to try to lose weight. Most of the time this doesn’t work for them and it’s not surprising because according to this scripture, this strategy goes against God’s design for us.

Colossians 2:20-23 says “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”

Diets are about rules. God is about freedom, grace and love. When we try in our strength to follow a set of rules, as we do when we follow a stringent diet, we set ourselves up for failure. These diets might seem to be wise, these rules are “of this world” and contrary to the freedom that we have if we have accepted Jesus in our heart. When we try to follow a set of rules associated with a diet, we are attempting to do this out of our own strength. I believe God wants us to abandon these “rules” and to look to Him for wisdom and power and the ability to eat well and to live a healthy life.

If you’re dieting in a formal sense consider this - surrender the “diet” and go deeper inside to God asking Him to help you eat in a manner that will help you lose weight. Make sure you’re getting in some regular physical activity as well. And don’t forget to ask God in prayer that He empower you, through His Holy Spirit to make the changes you’re trying to make. Then give God the glory when you lose the weight!

Take care!

Dale