Flee or Conquer?

Good Thursday morning!

When will I learn to flee temptation and not try to conquer it?

Last week I picked up this mega bag of roasted almonds at Costco. I knew I’d regret it but did it anyway. Why? Well, I fooled myself into thinking I’d changed. This time I’d eat them in moderation. This time I would exercise portion control. Why shouldn’t I have almonds in my house? Almonds are good for me. Perfect snack. True, they can be a real diet buster if I eat too many. But I won’t eat too many. Not this time. I won’t. It’s high time I learn some self control. This is good I’m buying this bag of almonds.

Bet you know what’s coming.

Well, I did exercise self control – the first day. I measured out a single serving size of almonds so I could become accustomed to this pitifully small amount. Told myself, enjoy them, eat them slowly. Moderation is the key. Almonds are our friends but must be eaten with respect. I walked around my apartment eating them one by one chanting “15 grams of fat, 200 calories.”

Buyer beware.

By the second day – only one day later – I’d already thrown caution to the wind! Oh, I still started out with my pitifully small handful of nuts, all right. But I’d barely finished before I was reaching for the bag again. “This is it, this is IT!” A few minutes pass, maybe a few hours. Eventually though, I’d have my paws back in the bag. I want more. Not even counting them now. No use. I’d crossed the line. Again. Self control experiment total bust.

That’s the way it’s been every day since I bought the stupid nuts.

Yesterday I finally decide to dump the rest down the sink. Had to get them out of my sight. But why do that? I thought. They weren’t cheap and they really are tasty. Finally did a smart thing. Finally. Pawned them off on the staff at my apartment complex. Free at last. Free at last. Ding Dong, the wicked nuts are gone.

This morning I get on the scale. Moment of truth. Yikes! Never saw that number before! Did there really have to be consequences? I didn’t mean to go nuts with the nuts. Yowsers!

Okay, so I get it. I haven’t changed. Bring nuts or chips, or Wheat Thins (they’re my worst downfall) into my house, I’m guaranteed a 100% failure rate. Perfect record. This revelation should set me free, not humiliate me. The foolish thing to do is to think I’ll change. God can definitely change my heart, no doubt about that. But the Bible says to flee temptation, not conquer it! It would be one thing if I had no choice to have these things in my house. God would give me the grace to leave them alone. But I do have the choice.

So, the scale is up. The almonds are history. Now what? No point dwelling on my failure. If I do, I’ll just feel bad. Some people may be motivated to make necessary changes in their lives because they get disgusted with themselves. That approach doesn’t seem to work with me. Just makes me feel depressed and wormy.

Instead, I’ll remember that God loves me just the same now as He did a week ago. If He won’t let this set back come between us, why should I? The scale may fluctuate because of my lack of discipline, but God’s love for me will never fluctuate. Ever.

Gorgeous day here in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Think I’ll eat healthy. Take a long walk. Burn off some of those calories. Back on track. Encouraged now.

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22,23)

Blessings all!