Self-Sabotage

This month, I attended a 3-day workshop on self-sabotage – specifically, the ways in which we sabotage ourselves in our quest to lose weight. 

But while self-sabotaging patterns in weight loss was the main focus, so many of the concepts taught could be applied to any area of our lives.

Because ultimately, our self-sabotaging behaviors start with our thoughts. 

Our thoughts are influenced by so many things – our family, our friends, our past experiences, what we read, what we see. Our brains want us to avoid things like pain and difficulty as much as possible so it will convince us that hard-to-do things like losing weight or reaching that lofty financial goal, for example, are just not worth the effort. 

We have to take hold of those thoughts, recognize them as the brain’s natural way of protecting us, and reframe them. Create new thoughts that let our brains know, “Actually, this is possible. Here’s how I’m going to do it.” 

The speaker reminded us that our thoughts have to be reviewed and reframed daily

The Bible also tells us on many occasions that our thoughts and minds must be attended to regularly. Why? Because the enemy of God is always working overtime to pull God’s sons & daughters away from Him. 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Daily, through prayer and scripture reading, hold up each thought and let the light of the Word expose any lies of the enemy.   

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NASB)

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)

I pray your thoughts are filled with the good news of God’s unending love for you this month. 

Take care,

Jennifer

Author: Jennifer Followwill

Jennifer Followwill began attending Vineyard about 5 years ago. She served at the Food Bank for several years and she loves her small group. She works full-time at Arizona State University's West Campus and teaches aerobics twice a week at Glendale Jazzercise. When she's not working, she loves to be the best aunt ever to her two teenage nephews, cheer on the Diamondbacks, hike, nap, and binge-watch TV shows.

4 thoughts on “Self-Sabotage”

  1. Great message and quoted scriptures. Thank you God for protecting us from evil.

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