Broccoli or Twinkies?

According to a recent survey, the most frequent resolution made for 2019 is to exercise more or lose weight – the top goal for 38% of people. A healthy diet and regular physical exercise are important for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, but John Ortberg, in his book Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them, reminds us that something else is vital for our good health.

He points to a study that tracked the lives of seven thousand people over nine years. Take this in: “Researchers found that the most isolated people were three times more likely to die than those with strong relational connections. People who had bad health habits (such as smoking, poor eating habits, obesity, or alcohol use) but strong social ties lived significantly longer than people who had great health habits but were isolated.” And here’s the best part… if you haven’t settled on a goal for the year you could try this: “In other words, it is better to eat Twinkies with good friends than to eat broccoli alone.”
Before anything else existed, a perfect relationship of unity and love between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit flourished and formed the foundation for all creation. When God formed humanity, he made us to live in relationship with each other. That’s part of the reason groups are so important at our church. We need one another; life is so much better together.
Invest in your group friendships and relationships in this new year. If you’re not part of a group right now, then turn over a new leaf and give it a try. You can dip your toe into the water in a short-term group, prepare for or invest in your marriage through Merge or ReEngage, or dive straight into a community group by signing up here.
Let’s share some Twinkies,
Titus
P.S. If you’ve been receiving mail from AARP (and are old enough to know what a Twinkie is), then make plans to be part of a new extension of groups ministry just for you… Grace Senior Adults. Show up this Sunday, January 13 at either 10:30 or 12:15 in Room 401 (take a left at the Café and walk toward the end of the hall) to find out more.
Titus O’Bryant
Teaching & Executive Pastor of Ministries