Let's talk about motivation. I'm not referring to motivation in the traditional sense of "feeling" motivated but rather proper motivation of BEING motivated.

Enjoying long-term success and freedom from diets, overeating, or any disordered eating requires that our motivation be the glory of God. Why? Because anything else is a misplaced motive. Self-worship means wanting to wear a specific size, wanting to have the approval of others, wanting to look better, and even feeling better about ourselves. I know it's a hard truth, but it IS truth. If we seek the best version of ourselves for the wrong reasons, it will never last. We must settle this issue if we want to end the marathon of running around the same mountain.

Honestly (but without condemnation, this isn't about shame, it's about honest confession), ask yourself, what is my TRUE motive for wanting to lose weight? Is it for the Lord, or myself and others? Am I working with Him, or am I unintentionally at cross purposes with Him? If you purpose in your heart to glorify Him through your journey, He will bless you and enable you to enjoy the desires of your heart. Our motivation must be to honor the Lord in everything, including how we eat and move our bodies.

Consider 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, "But whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit."

What hope, right!? According to scripture, when we behold (regard, look on, see) the glory of God, we are transformed more and more into the same image! When our motive is the glory of God, we become more like Christ, and we become transformed! Isn't that amazing?! If you've never settled this issue, will you make today the day that you do? Do you need this prayer today?

Lord, I see now that I've been approaching weight loss, the pursuit of health, the goal of a leaner body, or [insert anything you need to confess] all wrong! No wonder it's never worked or lasted! I've worked for my glory in the past, and I acknowledge that and ask your forgiveness. Today, I want to purpose in my heart a new way, a holy way. Today, I see that I am to do everything for and to YOUR glory. Will you please change my heart and transform me in any way needed that I may seek your glory above all else? In Jesus' name, amen.

If you prayed that today, welcome to day one! You've just planted a new seed for true transformation. Tremendous blessings on all of you today!