scale3

Today, let’s consider the scale that we want to give our attention since we aren’t giving the bathroom scale our attention.

The scale we WILL give our attention to is the hunger scale!

Let’s hone in on those hunger numbers or, if you would rather, what “0,” or physical hunger, feels like. At the other side, we will try to refine our “5” or physical satisfaction, too.

Bringing it home:

What can you do to evaluate more precisely what physical hunger is like for you? What about physical satisfaction? Is there room for improvement? Will you commit to nailing down your “hunger scale?”

I just did a search on Bible Gateway for “scale” and it is interesting the passages that came up. Other than referring to “scales” on fish,  scale armor,  or “scaling” a wall, the first reference is this one in Job 6:1-3:

Then Job replied:

“If only my anguish could be weighed
    and all my misery be placed on the scales!
It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas—
    no wonder my words have been impetuous.

I thought that was intriguing given that so very often when we get on the bathroom scale, it is as if our misery and anguish is there on that scale. Don’t you think?

Another verse found in Job 31:5,6:

“If I have walked with falsehood
    or my foot has hurried after deceit—
let God weigh me in honest scales
    and he will know that I am blameless—

These are about the only references in Scripture (that I could tell) to weighing people. The rest of the references seem to indicate that weighing is typically in reference to value for commerce or some other context. Never for the purpose of weighing our own bodies or looking for approval from God or anyone else based on that weight!

In fact, most of the references to scales used for weighing anything at all were with regard to “dishonest” scales!

When I consider these facts, I really have to praise my God. This is definitely one of those worldly things that I am tempted to give far too much “weight” to.

By contrast, here is a passage that speaks of what God DOES invite me to “stand on:”

Then the Lord said,

“There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 

When my glory passes by,

I will put you in a cleft in the rock

and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.

Exodus 33:21, 22

I love this image of our God! He invites us to stand on a rock up near him. Isn’t that precious? Each time we are tempted today to stand on the bathroom scale, let’s instead, stand on the rock that is near our God. His glory will pass us by and we will experience his closeness! Let’s further invite him to weigh our hearts and help us to value his approval more than anything!

Are you with me? 🙂

Bringing it home:

If we are going to succeed in our desire to be free from the tyranny of the bathroom scale for two weeks, we will have to make provision for obedience. What will you DO to plan for your obedience? Will you give your scale to a friend or family member to hide? Who? Will you cover the scale with a sign that reminds you not to step on it? Will you put it in the garage? What is your plan? 🙂