Everybody is talking about New Year’s resolutions. Of course, as a dietitian, I hear much about people wanting to change their eating habits to achieve weight loss or improved health. Problem is, most of these resolutions – especially if it means starting a diet – don’t lead to positive long-term results. When we focus on external outcomes rather than looking at the source of issues, it is very difficult to find lasting, desirable change.
Jesus spoke to this subject, when addressing the Pharisees. These were religious leaders that took pride in keeping and enforcing the Jewish law. They felt this was pleasing to God, but Jesus disagreed. He saw them focusing on what others see from the outside, and ignoring what was happening on the inside. It wasn’t righteous to Him in the least:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Matthew 23: 25-26
The Pharisees had it backwards! I see application in this concept for us in the New Year, because we tend to approach things backwards as well. Trying to make changes on the outside, using our own willpower, is fruitless in the long-term. This is actually self-sufficiency and worship of self, which turns us away from dependence on God.
Notice He says to clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside will also be clean. Wow! It’s 2-for-1. God really does multiply our efforts when we focus in on Him.
I’ve experienced this in so many ways. When I focus on the inside – my relationship with God, my prayer life, the way I think, etc… – I find that the outward things improve without much attention.
For example, last New Year’s, I decided to focus on memorizing scripture. I asked a friend to join me in this (for accountability, which was incredibly important), and we began working through a chapter of the Bible a few verses each week. When I was taking time to memorize the Word of God, it changed the way I was thinking. Predictably, my heart changed. I had more peace. I was more confident in the character of God and His activity in my life. This helped me put on a godly attitude about things that I was trying to work on, and increased my dependence on God through prayer. The results were far better than if I decided to work on the “outside of the cup.” I even found myself making more consistently better food choices, and being content in them – without needing as many “treats” as when I was generally uptight. Very cool.
My challenge to you: what can you do to work on the “inside of the cup?” If you’re wanting to improve your eating behaviors, great, but pay attention to what’s going on inside first, and see what God does about the “outside of the cup.”
I leave you with one of my favorite passages: Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Happy New Year!