{"id":3776,"date":"2023-09-18T03:53:28","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T11:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/breathingspace\/?p=3776"},"modified":"2023-09-08T05:35:57","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T13:35:57","slug":"why-you-cant-gain-by-losing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/breathingspace\/2023\/09\/why-you-cant-gain-by-losing\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Can’t Gain by Losing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

You can\u2019t gain by losing. <\/strong>We all know people who try to improve their lives by focusing on what they don\u2019t want. It doesn\u2019t work. Instead, Jesus offers the One Thing that will make you happy.<\/p>\n

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Image by SHVETS production on Pexels<\/span><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n**<\/h2>\n****
** Some people you and I know decided that it was best to lose some weight. They told themselves, \u201cI hate all these extra pounds. I need to lose all these extra pounds.\u2019 But the more they told themselves that, the more they focused on those pounds. We tend to get more and more of what we focus on. <\/strong>In this case, that\u2019s more pounds.<\/p>\n
** Others we both know decided that their lives would be better if they quit smoking. So, they focused on not smoking. They told themselves how much they didn\u2019t want cigarettes. But in all their focus on not smoking, guess what they were thinking about\u2014Smoking! <\/strong>Since we tend to get more of what we think about, it was really difficult for them to quit smoking.<\/p>\n
** We\u2019ve all known people who did the same thing with difficult relationships, debt, addictions, frustrating jobs, and more. The problem is that when you focus on the things that frustrate you, the more frustrated you become.<\/strong> When you say, \u201cI want to cut this terrible thing out of my life,\u201d if that terrible thing is what you\u2019re focused on, you tend to get more of that terrible thing. You can never get enough of what you don\u2019t really want. <\/strong><\/p>\n
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Steep Yourself in God-Reality<\/h2>\n

So, what\u2019s the solution? In Matthew 6:30-33 MSG<\/a><\/span>, Jesus says: <\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat I\u2019m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God\u2019s giving. People who don\u2019t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don\u2019t worry about missing out. You\u2019ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.\u201d <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, don\u2019t focus on losing weight. Instead, focus on gaining the health that God wants for you. Forget about losing that debt that keeps you bound. Instead, concentrate on gaining the freedom God has imagined for you. Don\u2019t perseverate on the addiction you need to kick. Instead, keep your attention on the sobriety God has promised you. You can\u2019t gain by continually thinking about all the things you want to lose. You can only grow by reaching upward, not looking downward.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Here are some key points to consider:<\/h2>\n\nFocus on the positive:<\/strong> Instead of constantly thinking about what you want to eliminate or lose, concentrate on the positive aspects of your life and the things you want to achieve. This might involve setting specific goals and working towards them with a positive mindset.<\/li>\nShift towards self-improvement:<\/strong> Rather than dwelling on your flaws or shortcomings, invest your energy in personal growth and development. This can include learning new skills, developing healthy habits, and nurturing positive relationships.<\/li>\nEmbrace gratitude:<\/strong> Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the blessings you already have in your life. By appreciating what you have, you create a more positive and abundant mindset.<\/li>\nTrust the process:<\/strong> Have faith that as you focus on becoming a better person and seeking what aligns with your values and aspirations, the negative elements you want to leave behind will naturally fade away.<\/li>\nSeek support:<\/strong> Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your personal growth. Having a positive and supportive community can help you stay on track and reinforce your efforts.<\/li>\nBe patient and gentle with yourself:<\/strong> Making lasting changes takes time and effort. Avoid being too hard on yourself if you encounter setbacks or challenges along the way. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion as you work towards your goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n******
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