James 4:7 "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Today I am challenged with the truth of my being a horrible example to others. The area I am talking about (although there are many) is that of my weight. I never struggled with weight when I was younger, and when I got sick, I lost so much weight that people kept telling me how great I looked. I now tie my thinner self to my sick self. I know if a therapist were to have me dig down deeper there would be many other reasons why I continue to stay trapped in the body I am currently in. The truth of the matter, though, is that it hurts my witness, especially to those I am closest to.
If I am an example in other ways, like reading my Bible, going to church, praying for those around me, or being there for those who need me, that is one thing, but a basic precept of following God and the teachings of Jesus is not to do anything to excess that is harmful or hurtful. This is doubly true when you cause another to not follow in obedience. I know I have been the cause for this to happen, and I sit here heartbroken because of it. It is an area the evil one will continue to use because it is very easy, and I, sadly, am very weak.
When I was coming out of my compulsive behaviors and laying each one down while crying out to Jesus to help me be free, He answered that prayer. I had to be vigilant in my surrender because my illness was killing me and destroying my family. That battle was harder than any I had ever known (and honestly continues to be most days), but with the Lord's constant help, I can now lead a mostly normal life.
So, this battle with food and weight is no less than the OCD one. It may actually be a part of it. I need to think and pray on it more. All I know is that it is ANOTHER area of my life that is a destroyer, and one that I must fully lay down at the foot of the cross and submit totally to Jesus. He guided me out of one dark pit, and I know He will guide me out of this one. I just pray it will be an example to those I hold most dear.
I am a work in progress for sure.
