Yes, the title of this blog sounds a bit too much like an infomercial. Sorry. But I did actually lose that much weight over the past year, and I will tell you how.

However . . . 

Have you noticed how physical principles are often paralleled with spiritual truths and vice versa? What is a reality in my body is often a reality in my soul.

For example, as a cancer survivor, I know that physical cancer cells can kill me if untreated. Similarly, emotional cancers, like bitterness and unforgiveness, can cause me serious harm as well.

So, how did I lose that much weight, and what spiritual principles did I learn in the process?

1. Choose to change.

Losing weight is simple (hard but simple)—eat less junk and burn off more calories than you consume. (Thank you, that will be $19.99.) But nothing happens until you are ready to do something different. 

All kidding aside, every change begins with a choice to change. 

2. Accept accountability.

Good. You made the wise decision to do something different. Now, to get from where you’re at to where you want to be, you will need help. We all need support. I used the Weight Watchers (WW) app that tracked what I was ingesting and my progress. 

God’s plan, all along, was for you to have His “app” (aka the Word) and the accountability that comes from living in community in the Body of Christ. You can’t do it alone. 

3. Start somewhere.

Sometimes the most challenging step is the first step. We humans are pretty good procrastinators. We think, “Yeah, this is something I can start tomorrow.”

Nope.

Start today. Somewhere. Now. Do at least one thing immediately. Choose to change. Accept some help. Then get off your butt and take the first step (baby steps count). This is true when it comes to your physical well-being and your spiritual health.

4. Stay structured.

Even the most free-spirited peeps still need some structure. We need a system. Your body has nine systems that keep it running (e.g., digestive system). Systems and structures are good for you. Again, I used the WW system to keep me on track, and I had to use it regularly—like after every meal—for it to work.

Your spiritual development needs structure and systems too. Find a cool devotional on the YouVersion Bible app. Buy a study bible and follow a daily reading plan. Systems and structures make progress sustainable. You simply can’t succeed without structure. 

 5. Practice patience.

There were weeks when I lost a couple of pounds. There were other weeks when I gained one or two pounds or nothing seemed to change. But my WW app would remind me, “Fluctuations are normal; just keep at it.” 

In your walk with Jesus, some weeks you will grow like a well-watered grapevine and see incredible progress. Other weeks—not so much. It’s okay. Stay the course. Be patient and just keep choosing to change.

6. Celebrate the conquest!

When you win, celebrate! When someone says, “Are you losing weight?” Smile and say, “Why yes, yes, I am. Thank you very much!” It feels good to celebrate and party.

In your spiritual journey, make it a regular habit to have an attitude of gratitude. When someone says, “You seem like you’re growing by leaps and bounds!” Smile and say, “Ain’t God good?”

By the way, humility isn’t pretending to be a worm; it’s accepting praise while pointing to the One who ultimately makes your new life possible.

Okay, time for me to log my breakfast and invest some time with Jesus!

What are you going to do today to grow in your faith? I promise you—the investment is worth the effort.