When we see the word diet we often
think it relates to losing weight. The word diet can also mean the nutrition
consumed by a person. A healthy diet is one defined as eating a well-balanced
number of foods from specific food groups. In today’s world we are challenged
when it comes to maintaining healthy diets as we are tempted daily by big juicy
cheese burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Everywhere we turn, there are
restaurants and commercials. Not to mention the tempting large portion sizes
delivered to our tables.
My point? We are overwhelmed with
choices in our daily lives of what to eat, how to live, and when to decide
enough is enough. Sports, TV shows, Movies, Work, Meetings, Clubs, Facebook,
E-mails…the list goes on. It’s up to us to choose a happy balance of activities
to contribute to a healthy faith diet.
Weight Watchers has a step
by step plan and claims that you can watch yourself change. They say, “Small
changes in your life can mean big changes in your weight.” I’d like to suggest
that we consider this approach with other things in our lives as well. I’d say,
“Small changes in your faith life can mean big changes in the congregation and
at home.”
It is one day at a time. Setting
goals, taking one step at a time, and staying focused on the goal to be healthy. When one is intentional and sets
expectations, it gets easier. It’s no longer work, but becomes a way of life.
Eating healthy and exercising with friends added to support from our families
keeps us on track and provides us with reasons to celebrate along the way.
Weight Watchers always
provides weekly gatherings where one can share their highs and lows. Then they provide
encouragement and tools to go home and practice during the week what they have
heard changes lives at the gathering. They have learned that those attending a
weekly support group have “significant improvement in weight loss, activity
levels, and quality of life.”
The FAITH5 is a step by step plan that
can change the way a family relates forever. The plan is role modeled every
week at a gathering and in a small group setting and then practiced every night
in every home. It can mean big change in the life of a family. We like to call
practicing the FAITH5 the “meat” of all our resources.
This all sounds great. But c’mon…do
you know how hard this is to do? Our answer is, “Yes!” We also know that small
groups and families who practice them share fascinating faith stories.
There is more support, family
communication, and reading the Bible. It’s not easy. We know small group
ministry is effective and grows if the FAITH5 are practiced. We know that if
there is an intentional invitation to practice them in the home and
expectations set for accountability that the lives of congregations and families
change.
But, how does it REALLY happen?
It's the same as a diet. It’s one step
at a time.
What are the FAITH5?
1. Share your Highs & Lows
2. Read a verse of God’s Word from the
Bible
3. Talk about how the verse relates to
your life
4. Pray for one another and the world
5. Bless one another
We suggest you introduce one at a time
at home.
Which one will you try this week?
After you do so, ask if it’s making a
difference in your life at home.
It’s not something you do only in small
group at church every week.
Share the impact it’s had with others
in the congregation and neighbors
and it becomes evangelism.
Have a story to share? I’d love to
hear your stories.
Send them to dstreicher@faithink.com.
