Nothin' But the Blood of Jesus

As of this current season I am a fan of The Biggest Loser. For obvious reasons the show's name inspires plenty of jokes but it also inspires people. It inspires people to take care of their bodies and to fight for their health. However, every week as I sit and watch this show I am aware that there is one area where the show goes wrong. For many of the contestants weight gain and compulsive eating have stolen their lives, and where the show does address the emotional reasons behind such behavior, it also inspires contestants to believe that all they need to do to get their lives back is to find themselves and lose those extra pounds. Week after week contestants announce things such as "This opportunity has given me everything I need." And week after week I hear these comments and am saddened by them. The truth is that whether your an ideal 140 pounds or an obese 250 your identity must be founded on something that is certain for it to stand the test of time. Confidence that cannot be shaken, integrity that will not be compromised, identity that never changes, and freedom from fear are all things that must be grounded in a reality that is bigger than ourselves. Sheer will power is not enough to silence the voice of a pessimistic critical culture, internal voices of doubt, shame, and critique, or the reality of darkness in ourselves. However, these things can be silenced by the reality that you are a treasured creation of the most high God, one who He loves so much that He sacrificed His son on your behalf. The blood of Jesus spilt on the cross stands as an eternal testament to the love of God. It is the declaration through out all the universe that you are His, that He loves you, and that He will go to any length to reclaim relationship with you. Through this redeemed relationship God in His goodness offers us "life to the full". The Bible says that Jesus came that "you may have life and life abundant". It says that "those who are in Christ are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come!" It says that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!" And it also says that there is no other way to the Father but through Jesus. We are eager to believe in avenues that allow us to put faith in our ability, understanding, and self importance. We love the idea that we can free ourselves from bondage, addiction, depression, obsession, oppression, etc.; but the truth is that each of these problems exists within each of us as a result of sin. We cannot cure what we contribute to. There is hope, but it is not found in finding or focusing on ourselves, it is found in the blood of Jesus which purifies us and gives us an eternal identity as holy and blameless. I respect and enjoy what is being done on The Biggest Loser; but weight loss, exercise, and support, though important, are not the keys to peace, confidence, and contentment. These can only be attained through relationship with the God that we were made to love.