F is for Freedom: Lock up the Lawnmower

Two weeks ago we broached the topic of freedom from a struggle with food. We looked at the ANTHEM way to flee from lust, which served as a great reminder that a battle with lust manifests itself in so many ways. Alcohol, food, sex, attention, drugs–so many things can turn into addictions when we fall prey to lust. So when I share practical helps in walking in freedom from a struggle with food, these things can really be applied to wherever the particular lust happens to rear its ugly head. And, as I mentioned before, though I can joyfully attest to walking in freedom for eight years, I do not mean to imply that I never struggle (1 Cor. 10:12). But these are the things that have helped me to live a life that is characterized by freedom.

Lock up the Lawnmower.

Or in my case, the Kitchenaid. In college I was the cookie-baker. I’ve always enjoyed baking, and had a knack for making some pretty delectable cookies that my brother and all of my 7 roommates (and all my brother’s roommates and all my roommates’ brothers), loved to enjoy.  Our house was a social hub, and there were always plenty of people who loved to eat plenty of cookies.

And I’ve always loved to feed people. I think that’s a spiritual gift. But, while I was struggling in this battle with food, the cookie-baking always tripped me up. It sounds sort of embarrassing now, but I would be in this continual cycle of making them because I wanted to bless everybody, but then eating so many I hated myself and felt sick.  Ugh. Oh friends, I know what it feels like to live in this feeling of bondage. I don’t care of it’s cookies or crack cocaine … the root is the same.

So finally one day I was pouring out my heart to God about it. I was saying how frustrating it was that I had this gift of hospitality and loved to bake for people, but always fell into this pit whenever I did.

He showed me a picture of a lawn mower.

Huh?

A lawn mower is wonderful tool and can be used to cut grass and bless people, just like baking for them and blessing them with food. BUT, a lawn mower can also be dangerous, deadly even, when operated by a child or someone too weak or inexperienced.

The Lord showed me that at that point, I was too weak to operate the lawn mower.  In fact, because I had such a tendency to want to operate the lawn mower, and because I’d most certainly get hurt every time I did, I needed to lock it up. Put it away, forever if need be, but at least until I was strong and mature enough to wield it with wisdom. Sound silly? Probably not if you’ve ever had this struggle.

I know a wonderful man who has fought a 20-year battle with alcoholism (and won!). The turning point came when he finally resolved that he would never touch alcohol again. Before he had just aimed to “get better” but never hated his sin enough to refuse to ever touch it again. In his entire life. He hasn’t touched it and hasn’t struggled since.

Now obviously you cannot “give up” all food. But most of us have a trigger food that usually trips us up. My advice? Give it up. Forever. Yes, there may be a point when you are strong and experienced enough to get that lawn mower out. (Praise Jesus I can now bake cookies without overeating! But I still choose not very often to just because sugar isn’t beneficial for anyone.) But we must get sick enough of our struggle that we’re willing to forever give up whatever triggers our sin.

What do we have to lose?

Shackles. That’s what.

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Is there any “trigger” item in your life that causes you to struggle? How could you kick that item to the curb and never invite it back? Commit it to prayer and ask God to illuminate anything that might be your “lawn mower.” Then lock it up for good. Thanks for reading.