Ecclesiastes 2:10

I have lived a season of  life when I did not deny myself anything my eyes saw.  I found myself eating whatever my eyes set themselves towards, taking whatever I wanted from the woman I was dating at the time.  I found my eyes soon controlled my actions. My inside was telling me no but my eyes were saying yes. I started a civil war inside of my body.
 
Any fruitful season of my life has come under strict organization.  Whether it comes from my own doing or an outside factor.  Right now in the U.S. there is a recession and this is an outside factor that is putting a stop to our over indulgence as a society. I would rather put the brakes on myself versus some outside factor putting the brakes on me. I have a better chance of controlling me than I do the economy or some drill sergeant.

 
I have also seen when there is a lack of organization people will take freedoms that we might not ought too. Without a doubt I believe there is a war between good and evil. Many of us, that believe in this battle, will chalk up our own human errors as spiritual warfare.  There is a point where it is not spiritual warfare but it is a lack of discipline on our own part which has allowed hardship into our own lives.  
 
America- Is the Church thriving or dying in this country?  For those who say it is dying- why?  Is it possible that we have become so comfortable in our wealth  that were we are stumbling in our own pleasure. Comfort and wealth it goes together like foot and shoe, hand and glove.  
 
We subtly are lacking organization, becoming a very “me” centered society, and denying ourselves nothing. Why? Because we can. Is this evil? I think evil can kick back and relax because we are doing just fine destroying ourselves. If evil were to intervene he might screw it up.
 
At this time I am personally going through a season where I am highly evaluating the leadership voices in my life.  I hear “leaders” in the church to tell me to deny myself certain pleasures.  Deny myself and put God first in my life.  I am having a big problem with these “leaders” telling me to deny my selfish nature when they themselves, the leaders of the sheep, cannot deny their stomachs. I see it with tv evangelism and I see it in the church itself with my own eyes. If a Sheppard cannot lead himself then how can I, a sheep, expect to be any different.  
 
If we are to lead it comes with a price.  It is a privileged to lead others. Everyone of us lead in some way shape or form.  I fail, it is inevitable.  I would like to think this is like repentance. It is unavoidable we will sin, once we sin we can ask God for forgiveness and pray to God for strength to put measures (organization) in place so we will have a greater chance to build strength to combat our weakness. Choice #2: we can pray about it, all the while not implementing any measures to strengthen ourselves and expect God to perform some majestic miracle so we will never sin in that manner again.  Which choice will give us the best chance to bring honor to God?
 
I know writings like this put me in the line of fire.  I know I have my short comings.  We all do. All of us lead in some way shape or form. Some of us lead big flocks of sheep. Some of you lead me, I want all of us to succeed. Especially those who I choose to put as my Sheppard.
 
Since this is the fitness section- anyone who struggles with overeating. Peel the layers of the onion and implement structure so you can overcome the anxieties that are leading you to your less than desirable reflection in the mirror. If getting a trainer is part of your solution then do it.  There are many of us out there. More than likely there is one in your church you attend.