No fail weight loss strategy (fb)

Listening to an NPR interview with the authors of the Longevity Project - an 80 year project studying the factors that contribute to longevity or the lack thereof.  A caller asked the question on everybody's mind, "You have stated that the key to longevity is the lifestyle choices that we already know about - eat lean meats, lots of veggies, portion control, exercise, etc.  But did you discover the best way to implement that lifestyle?"  The author answered with no hesitation, "Fantastic question - yes, we discovered that there is one factor that virtually guarantees success in starting and/or maintaining a lifestyle leading to longevity."  His enthusiasm had me riveted to hear that answer.  Books, videos, programs, places, and people bring in bajillions every year selling things that claim to provide the answer to the question - but this guy was claiming the one surefire thing - free- on NPR.  "The key to a healthy lifestyle is to hang around healthy people."  


Of course it is.  The key to any lifestyle change is to be in community with people who value the things you value.  It is the way Jesus modeled how to teach one-another to live in his Kingdom.  You hang out with people who value the things Jesus values - the things he modeled and taught in places like Matthew 5.  You don't do discipleship via book, program, study, class, or creed.  You get discipled by doing life with disciples.  Figure out who you want to be and then hang out with people who are more like that than you are - or at least are heading in the same direction.


I experienced a moment on Thursday.  Four men that I want to be like spontaneously showed up at the same place at the same time.  We laughed and made small talk.  That moment filled my sails with a mega-dose of faith.  


Want to be synical and bitter?  Hang around the bitter synics.
Want to be a lush?  Hang with lushes.  
Want to be a health freakazoid?  Hang around with people who are obsessed with their bodies.  
Want to be a go-kart racer?  Find the go-kart racers.  
Want to sit and listen?  Connect primarily with the sitters and listeners.  
Want to be a fearful parent?  Hang around fearful parents.  
Want to be proud?  Hang with the proud.  
Want a humble heart characterized by dogged dependence on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit - driven by heartsick gratitude for one who would call us beloved?  ...  You will find them in a place that is guaranteed to make you uncomfortable - and once you do - accept the invitation to the table- and stop believing you don't belong.