Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Biggest Loser-Why?



Next weekend at The Vineyard is an opportunity we as a Community Life team as extremely excited about.


Many have been wondering what's behind the theme we've chosen for this year. No, we will not be focusing on weight loss. We will not be focused on physical health. However, we have fallen in love with a bootcamp style approach to becoming more like Jesus. Much like contestants on the television show The Biggest Loser shed unnecessary pounds each and every week through rigorous training and diet, we want to provide the opportunity to shed unnecessary hindrances while on our way towards becoming more like Christ.

We've chosen two passages of Scripture to base this off of. Matthew 10:39 tells us, "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." Many time this is a tricky thought to comprehend because it can be so difficult to surrender every part of our lives to Christ. Even when He shows us how rewarding and full of meaning life is once we lose our lives to Him, we still struggle with trust. Satan is a cunning enemy, constantly on the attack, and we intend to win back some ground during this weekend! We want to continually be people that are giving our lives to Christ, allowing Him to call the shots, guiding and directing us through life as He sees many things that we do not.

This weekend will be great; encouraging to say the least, but make no mistake, we will also be fighting and gaining precious ground against the enemy. When we want, ask, and fight for God's kingdom to come, Satan will resist. It's not easy giving up our lives, but that decision is ALWAYS worth it. Freedom is found in doing so; purpose is found in doing so; Christ is found in doing so!

The other passage we've chosen to focus on is Mark 8: 31-38. I will make you look this one up yourselves since I gave you the first passage! I specifically love verses 36-37 which ask, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" These are some very solid questions concerning priorities and what's truly of importance in our lives! I've found if I don't keep questions like this in front of me on a consistent (many times a day) basis I quickly lose track. Why is it so hard to keep things in proper perspective? Remember, it's not just coincidence. We must learn to fight for what we want and need. We give time, money, and resources to what we truly deem appropriate. Time spent with God and for God should be no different.

We hope you walk away from this weekend with an extra giddyup in your step, having shed some unwanted weight, if you will. We also pray you walk away with a renewed passion for what's truly important, fully losing our lives for Christ so that He can truly have His way with us.

Come and experience a Biggest Loser event like you've never seen before. Will you join us?

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