If you struggle with weight control, God's Word has both encouragement & admonishment: 1. Be accepting. God designed your physical make-up. Refrain from criticizing His creation (Ps. 139:13-16). 2. Be grateful. God has given you a triumphal new nature at your conversion. You are admonished to give thanks to God who gives you victory in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15: 57). 3. Be careful. The Bible, speaking for moderation & against gluttony, condemns over-indulgence (Prov. 23:20-21). Resist extra helpings & rich foods that add additional inches. 4. Be disciplined. Achieving temperance in eating will strengthen other areas in your life. Paul proclaimed that although all things were lawful for him, he refused to be brought under the power of any (1 Cor. 10:23) because all things were not helpful to him (1 Cor. 6:12). 5. Be active. Regular exercise will help you to reach & maintain your ideal weight. Activity also improves productivity, cardiovascular stamina, & mental alertness. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to run with endurance (Heb. 12:1; see also 1 Tim. 4:. 6. Be persistent. Just as Paul finished the race (2 Tim. 4:7), you, too, can persevere if you set a goal & move forward victoriously to achieve it!