Thank you for posting this brother. I am a big guy as well that pastors a small church. I battle with it too. But I also think this: I wasn't always saved nor was I always a pastor. The weight has been there for a much longer time. God bless you man.
Pastor! I am a fat pastor and I greatly appreciate your words! This is such a thoughtful, GRACEFUL response to plain ugliness. Let’s keep fighting for our health, physically and spiritually, and let’s keep leading God’s people as he has called and equipped us to do so! Praying for you, your family, and your church!
Speaking as a “fat” person, people need to pay attention to Matthew 7:3-5. I have been called fat all my life. For the first time in my life I had a dr. Acknowledge my weight and said even large people can be healthy. I don’t eat like people think, yet I am still heavy. I’m over it. More than anything I believe the hurtful people didn’t like your message because I suspect maybe God was poking them through your sermon making them squirm. Don’t worry the haters. Keep preaching WE are listening. You are doing a good work.
1 Samuel 16:7 - I'm really at a loss for words that this would be an issue for someone. I have so enjoyed listening to you and that sort of thought has never entered my mind. It's been a long time since I was in active pastoral ministry and in the intervening time I've been a lot more distressed by preachers wearing $5K sneakers than by someone carrying a few extra pounds. Keep up the great work. My heart resonates with your enjoyment in discussing Bibles, Books, and Theology-Related Things.
Hey brother I really appreciate you making this video and I sense your pain. I was fat from being a baby until I was 17 1/2 yrs old. The pain I experienced from the bullying in school and how I was made self-conscious of being fat all the time and everywhere I went was horrible. I lost over a hundred pounds my senior year in highschool and didn't look like the same person. I gained the weight back during my late 20's and early 30's and lost over a hundred pounds again when I was around 40. At various times between 40 and around 55 I would gain some weight, 10 to 20 lbs and battle to drop it. I started doing intermittent fasting at the age of 55 to 57 and have continued that to my current age of 64 and that has worked the best for me to keep my weight in check. Regardless of having the outside change in appearance the pain caused to my inner person will always be scared by the abuse and cruelty of others. I pray that you stay strong in the call that God has given you and I understand what you deal with.
Wow, I feel your pain. I was mercilessly picked on for years! It was so bad, that no matter how little or how much I weigh I still have hangups about my weight.
It's sad how cruel some people can be. We all have things we need to work on. A person's size, from skinny on up, can be caused from all kinds of things. All I care is your big ❤. If I lived near your church, I would feel blessed to have you as a pastor 😊 Jesus loves you, Pastor Colton
There are lots of people who do not over eat who have thyroid problems, or other disabilities that keep them bigger than others. If someone me or anyone who does not know you personally should not make assumptions. Do you speak truth, absolutely at least from what I have heard. That is what matters.
Brother, you are perfect just the way you are. Anyone pointing out anything about you, especially on the internet, is uncalled for. I’m a fitness trainer and have worked with people from all walks of life. We don’t know what anyone else is dealing with or what they are trying to achieve behind closed doors. As a society, we should consciously remember that. Thank you for the videos you put out, I discovered you about a week ago and enjoy your content thoroughly!!
You are so right in what you said in this video. People can be cruel and hurtful. But YOU have a truly sweet spirit! Keep the faith and the fight for God is on your side! Blessings to you and your ministry. Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas! Keep making the videos, I enjoy your words if wisdom and your faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's the faith and the calling in your heart that makes you a pastor!
My immediate thought is “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” And next I say, if you preach the truth of God’s word, and you love others, you meet the qualifications for being a pastor. Thank you for your internet ministry. I am hungry for God’s word in addition to attending a church fellowship. And I always learn something from your videos. Praying about your house sale also. Love in Christ
God bless you Colton! Im bigger as well and preach the word. I have 2 herniated discs in my back and had caused me to gain a lot of weight for the past 5 years. Food has been a struggle my whole life, and its a battle every day. Those who have never gone through it, dont know what its like to try and lose weight. Its difficult and a battle. Others have no place to judge when they do not know. May God help you with the medical issues you're going through. God speed brother🙏🏼
I struggled with my weight being in ministry for 6 years. We have a task that is not physically demanding, but emotionally and mentally taxing. Makes for heart attack and stroke. I started the carnivore diet back in September and I'm down 65 lbs. Dude, that's what worked for me, and if you reach out I'd be happy to help and give any encouragement I can. I still consider myself a "fat pastor", and even if drop another 100 lbs, I will. People on the internet are really brave saying that stuff when you can't confront them to their face. Just preach the word and do what you can to take care of yourself (mentally and physically!), and let the people who want to hate do what they do. God bless, brother, and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for posting this video, the Lord really used your words to encourage me. This is an area of struggle for me as well, and while I try to eat well and get exercise it is still discouraging to hear comments assuming the worst. I have heard many of the things I'm sure you hear as well and I confess that there have been times I have questioned if they are right, should I step down. Thank you for the courage to share your video and these thoughts. I found your channel about a year ago and I look forward to every new video I see pop up.
Love you, brother! Those who are pointing out something about you are just masking the fact that they have sin themselves that they won’t deal with. Your heart for people and Gods Word is evident! Keep doing what you’re doing. The road may be long, but keep moving forward knowing He is bigger!
I think others should worry about their own sin instead of others. I have no right to worry about anyone else’s sin but my own. We appreciate you and are grateful for your leadership in the church.
Thank you for your kind words. I understand the need for correction due to sin among Christians , but I think it should be done within the local church and done with care and love as the motivation from people who actually know you.
Your heart, your genuine spirit, your love for people, your skills, your gifts and graces, and your deeply centered love for Christ more than qualify you to serve as Pastor. Those who body shame you and others indulge in the gluttony of judgment. Yes, let’s be gracious and stop hurting others.
I also appreciate 🙏 your courage to talk about this. Confronting it head on is a big step to overcoming it. My wife has a friend who states that her husband and her wouldn't be members under a Pastor who is "not physically fit". My answer was similar to yours that the Bible doesn't mention that in the requirements for Pastors. On another note, I have had mental issues in my past, including a bad diagnosis over 30 years ago. Does that disqualify me? Well, God keeps calling me to it, so I am sure that I would also have to deal with people not wanting to listen to me if I were a Pastor 😢 because of that but we need to do what God’s will is to please Him and not Men. And we also need to live for God and to teach others and ourselves according to what the Scriptures actually say. I also had an Obese Uncle who was a Pastor for almost his whole adult life and lived to be over 70 years old. God rest his soul ✝️.
First of all, thank you for your time and vulnerability with this subject. I myself have struggled with weight off and on all my life. There's a song by Cece Winans called "Alabaster Jar." It talks about cost each one of us gives when we follow our Lord. We each have our own measure of grace given to us by the Lord. You keep doing what you're doing, brother in Christ. And I hope those being rude remember what the Lord says about taking the plank out of our own eye before pointing at the speck in our brother's eye.
I appreciate you Colton. I love you and your channel. I'm praying for you. I can tell by your last couple of videos you're struggling with some things right now. Keep your head up and stay in prayer. And I'll keep you in my prayers. The Lord is your strength. God bless you brother 🙏 ❤
Brother, I'm 60 years old and I've been in ministry for 14 years, after a career in the military. After I retired from the military, my weight began goin up...and up...and up. At my highest I was 430 pounds. At NO point did any church I serve try to tell me my weight was disqualifying, but they were worried for me because of health concerns. Finally, a year ago, my doctor basically said lose weight or die. I had bariatric surgery and I've lost 145 pounds. Does it make me a better pastor? Maybe. Does it make me a better husband, father, and grandfather? Without doubt. But we are ALL broken and sinful, and if our congregations expect those of us in the pulpit to be "perfect", they are setting themselves up for disappointment, and setting us up for failure. You keep doing what the Spirit calls you to do, and keep on preaching!
I think you addressed this biblically full of truth and grace, even though I’m sure you were very hurt by the comments. Although, gluttony is a sin, it is not one beyond redemption. I would be more worried about the heart condition of those who could be so cruel towards someone else. Jesus harshest words in all of scripture were to the Pharisees. They worried more about the outward appearance, but they were white washed tombs. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family!
I am thankful for you and all that you share on your channel. It’s really easy for people to pass judgment from the anonymity of their keyboard. That’s just Satan working through them. Unfortunately some people choose to be adult bullies, but in all reality, there is probably something that you’ve preached on that has struck a chord with them. Keep doing God’s work and know that there are lots of us that you encourage with your content. PS. Praying for the sale of your home. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
As pastor with the same struggle I can understand. Thankful for God's grace and mercy of every moment of every day. Stay strong! Also, praying the right house buyer is heading your way
OMG this topic hits close to me and I felt offended by the way someone treated you. Since I discovered your channel and your videos, I have always followed it and subscribed to it. It has been a great blessing to me. My brother and I have struggled with being overweight all our lives for medical reasons. In fact, my brother died of covid due to complications from being overweight. I have dealt with that problem all my life. But what I find difficult to accept is that someone wants to disqualify you as a pastor because you are overweight. That action goes against what is the Grace and Love that we must have for each other in Jesus Christ. God continue to bless you greatly and I hope to continue watching your channel.
Believing that God will make your body look more acceptable to culture if you love Him enough is just another form of prosperity gospel. There, I said it.
As a pastor, I do think health is so important. We carry the burdens of others, both earthly and eternal. Not to mention our own struggles and problems. So health, and mental health is a priority… Lots of visitations which included food, and fellowship, which includes food… leads to less activity. I treat my physical health as a ministry and part of my job. Just because I know it’s a slippery slope. Bless you bro. We are all on a journey.
There are way worse things that pastors can do than to be fat. I had an overweight pastor and when he preached a sermon once that "the force" in Star Wars was an archetype for the Holy Spirit, then I was outta there! His sermon likened George Lucas's new age beliefs to Christian beliefs. To me that was pretty empty. So anyway, you seem like a great pastor. Also I hope your 2025 reading plan goes great, and I chose the KJV also. They have an "Everyday Bible" that is KJV with all the verses I need to read each day per the date in the book. So I will use that, and I'm sure it will be fun. Keep up the great videos.
1 Corinthians 4 Brother let not the wicked ungodly words affect you. Run your race and continue to be a light to the ones who need to hear your words. God bless you keep fighting
Man, it’s tough to be out on the internet. I make cruise ship videos and I have to delete a lot of fat comments. What was rough recently is we have been trying to find a local church and we attended an info meeting about the church and they mentioned there is all kinds of sin, like overeating for example, while kind looking out way. It was uncomfortable. The struggle is real. Hang in there sir! - Tony
Thanks for not going all liberal and staying balanced, accepting responsibility while at the same time proclaiming our wonderful position as beloved sons under God's grace!!
I sat under a pastor once who said he couldn’t take seriously someone who had “something grossly wrong with their body.” I was the youth and music minister, and was (and still am) obese. This same pastor once declared himself “the standard for holiness” in our church. I wonder which is worse, a “gross” body or a gross attitude? Be encouraged my brother. You are not alone.
I'm so sorry you've had to bear this, brother. I know from personal experience how one's medical and physical health can be leveraged against someone, and I pray that the Lord would give you resilience to handle it. Lord, come swiftly.
Thank you. We all have to deal with things. My weight is definitely something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember, and I’m certainly responsible for it. But there is definitely a level of uncharitable responses that are difficult.
@@coltonyarbro The fact that you're taking responsibility for it is the important part though. You're leading your congregation in the charge against sin, empowered by the Spirit within, rather than charging it to their account whilst pretending you've never had to deal with it yourself.
Pastor, you are not my Pastor but you have my respect. We are all flawed sinners and we struggle daily. I too am a large man and I’ve been battling diabetes for 10 years. I’ve been married 27 years and my wife only knows a heavy husband. This is a real struggle. Some years I win most I lose. My goal is to get health as well this year. If you need support on this battle reach out. It’s easier to celebrate small milestones with people who are in the same boat. God bless you and keep you head up. One pound at a time my friend.
“When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:6-7ESV No worries brother the Scriptures tell us how the Lord views us. God bless you. We already have an accuser in Satan, we don’t need believers working for the devil with their behavior. God bless you.
As a fellow large man. I understand the war and struggle with weight. Praying and counting calories the best tactic to wage war against sin and indulgence.
There's a good little article about this called "Diet, Theology, and Medicine" by the great theologian John Frame in his book On Theology that you might be interested in. 😊
Hey Brother!!!!! I have Struggled with my weight for my whole life. I am finally understanding after 100s of diets. Losing over 100 pounds at least 4 times. Topping the scales at close to 500 pounds. I am willing to share any information I have, Resources that have helped and Always willing to be a person that is willing to listen and come along side you with the battle. Please let me know if I can help,
Hey Brother you don't owe anyone an explanation. The battles that you have with your weight is between you and Jesus and no one else. I'm a big guy as well and your not the only one fighting this sin. Keep up the good work.
Well, the motivation is what matters here, as there other reasons to overeat besides gluttony. Severe feelings of rejection, depression and low self-esteem are a very common reason people are overweight, and this is not motivated by simply the indulgence of eating, but attempting to alleviate and remove an inner pain of the soul that for some reason never heals properly. There are also matters of other kinds of spiritual bondage that one is simply struggling with and often in combination. If one is doing the best they can-and relative to a normal person it is often a far greater struggle-then we know it is simply an indicator of being in a fallen world. And the cycle is vicious in that the judgments of others make one feel more even more insecure.
Absolutely not. I am a staunch believer that 1 Timothy 3 lays out the requirements. Nothing there disqualifies a fat pastor. As far as over indulgence… well that’s absolutely relative. What is overindulgent to one may not be for another. As you said, we don’t know your battle. You may weigh TWICE as much if you REALLY overindulged. What we see may be the fruits of one battling. Bless you brother.
Your bravery to openly talk about this increases your credibility for proclaiming the gospel. I'm a random viewer and have seen your other videos. It never crossed my mind that being so overweight would disqualify a pastor - but - I often think to myself how good it would be for you and for your proclaiming the message of the gospel if you were set free from the weight. You say you've lost the weight before, so, you know already what a burden it is lifted from you. I lost about 80 pounds by only eliminating sugar. If that might be helpful, I offer the zero sugar idea. It worked well for me. Peace be with you! I am praying for you.
Thank you I know this hurts you. I’m sorry that another Christian thought it was ok to be so cruel. Just because someone is “overweight “ doesn’t mean they are a glutton. I’m so sorry so sorry just keep showing the fruits of the spirit. ❤God bless you brother.
I am so sorry that immature and insensitive people have had the audacity to attack you about this issue. You are definitely doing the Lord's work and with all the sin in the world calling out a Godly man because of something like this is extremely un-Christian. There are ministers and teachers out there who openly defy the Word of God and promote sexual immorality and idolatry, and they think your size should disqualify you from the ministry? Theirs is the greater sin. Don't let those people bother you (and I realize that is easier said than done) and keep on following your call. I appreciate your videos and always look forward to them. God bless you and I hope you and your family have a very, very, Merry Christmas.
I've also seen this in my feeds. I appears to be coming from critics of Doug Wilson. It's easy to criticize someone who's big when you're not. It's also easy to criticize people online. It saddens me to know this has affected you personally. I've never once thought you were too fat to be a pastor. May the Lord bless you guys to sell your home and bless you to have a very Merry Christmas! 😼
Intermittent fasting helped me to correct my inappropriate idolatry with food. I do it a few times a week where I only eat one meal a day. And helps me to maintain a healthy weight. One thing to think on in the qualifications mentioned in Titus and Timothy is to be “above reproach.” Being obese could cause one to be reproached as a pastor. It will also inevitably shorten ones ministry as your health problems associated with obesity will cut your time shorter and will have less energy to do it with. Our bodies are a temple… and so we ought to take good care of that temple.
For as long as you love Jesus and the gospel I don’t really have an issue with it. Character is so much more important than an outward appearance. Also, I may not know you personally but you seem like a great dude! Don’t let those people get to you.
The qualifications include temperance. Tempreance would exclude over indulgences of any kind not just food. I say this as a fat person myself who knows I don't meet the qualifications. That said I'm not content to remain in my sins. I'm actively working toward resolving my sin issues that go way deeper than over indulging with food. That expression of sin for me personally is just the fruit of a much deeper root that has nothing to do with food. I'm in Christian therapy dealing with the root and I know God goes before me to fight this battle to guarantee it's sucess but that doesn't mean I don't have my own part to play. I'll be praying for you God bless.
every one of us sin, whether knowingly or not, so it is hypocritical to just condemn or judge someone. most of the people who actually do this are not only sinners, but appear to be unrepentant (From my experience). There are literally pastors committing adultery and blasphemy and they seem to be getting a pass. it boggles the mind. sorry you have people making those comments. keep doing what you’re doing brother. i prayed again for your family and selling the house. 🙏🙏🙏
I'm a big pastor, too. I too am warring against the sin of gluttony. But something I think people need to take into account is that our country has an obesity problem. I think the numbers show we're at almost 60% of the population is overweight or obese. I don't think we have an overindulgence problem so much as we have a fake food and addictive food problem, coupled with intentional societal stress. If you look at pictures from the 50s and 60s, most people were skinny; now, most people aren't. Something changed, and it isn't that we suddenly became an overindulgent people. But, many people don't want to have the conversation about big food and big pharma and what they've done to destroy our civilization all for the sake of the almighty dollar. It's easier to say, "oh, I'm not going to listen to an overweight pastor," all while being addicted to their morning coffee or whatever. Keep fighting the good fight, my friend. And remember what Paul said, "physical fitness is of some benefit, but stay spiritually fit" (Marshall paraphrase).
I have been guilty of making my body and physical fitness my idol. Yes, we can all be guilty of gluttony and drunkenness as a part of our human frailties, but we can all find victory in the Lord! “8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
I actually get creeped out by pretty boy fit preachers 😅 and they usually are theologically disastrous anyway. Pastors I enjoy that are large bring the Word like no other. I just get sad when their health declines early. Being big, i feel the struggle and we can gain the discipline 💪
Hearing this saddens me. We all fall short of the glory of God. Matthew 7:5 comes to mind regarding those who say such things, "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Dear Colton, I am a 62 year old man who has always struggled with a weight problem. I am a human being, so by my nature, I have tendency to judge others. But, everyday, I ask Lord Jesus to be more like him and see people not on the outside, but by their heart. Jesus judged people by their soul, not what they look like. And your soul, to me, looks very loving and caring. Don't worry about the outside. Just keep doing what you are doing, to be more like Christlike on the inside. Keep the faith and GOD BLESS YOU.
If your weight doesn't prevent you from doing your job, then your weight doesn't matter in that job, regardless of what some drama queens say. Keep walking the path of God and your own way.
As an aside for the masses of Brethren here saying things like "you are perfect just the way you are": The Lord never speaks about being "too strict with yourself", but He does talk about Hypocrisy
I want to keep this as short as possible...As a brother in Christ, I want to recommend the keto or carnivore diet to lose weight and get you healthy. Eating fat won't make you fat, exercising won't make you lose weight, for the most part, exercising only builds muscle. Eat as much as you want but eliminate as much carbs from your diet as possible. Try to keep it at 20 grams a day or less. Just do your research on youtube. There is a lot of info and videos out there about this subject and it works. You won't be hungry on theses diets. I've been doing it for 5 years. You will fail if you count calories, my friend. I will pray for you.
I don't recall Titus or 1 Timothy 3 list weight as a requirement to be an overseer or deacon. We are in a neverending war with the flesh while we are on this side of Heaven so keep on fighting brother as we all have to do as the enemy knows our weaknesses. We all struggle with sin and fail at times so our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ should be there to encourage and help... and not be overly critical or disparaging.
@@MotoBmx01r would love to at some point. I e preached on each one before and those sermons can be found on my church RUclips channel. I realize they may be longer videos than what you want to watch, but I’ll link them below anyway. ruclips.net/p/PLc5i4oWT4bEsQDkVeF1t1_4E48d5Iawfy&si=FBgCXOPLvORnSjte
Yet, there are pastors that are clearly on steroids and see their bodies and people's admiration of their bodies as Idols. I don't see a body type in Titus 1 and 1 Tim 3. Keep doing your thing brother.
“D. L. Moody and Charles Spurgeon were both 5' 9" tall and weighed 350 lbs. Both won over a million people to Christ. If it is a sin, it would appear that God is not opposed to using such sinners. After all, all He has to use is saved sinners and failures so why would fat be an obstacle He could not overcome?”
Rebuking a brother or sister is done in the context of a loving, committed relationship. Not in the context of some stranger's comment section. I find those who are quick to point out some minor issue and make it a massive heresy are usually the ones who have a deep hidden sin they are seeking to minimize. Those comments are best just ignored, the original critic won't listen to rational arguments.
Even Paul was short and fat. He who points a finger has 3 pointing back at them. Ya know, it’s pretty sad that bullies have taken their misery out upon people on the internet. They are lonely and jealous. As far as the weight is concerned, Kennedy said he was going to look into shutting down the FDA. It’s what we are eating that’s causing us to blow up like a blimp. I’m not exactly fat, but I’m not slim either. Keep preaching the Word brother. Satan can’t stand it. 🤣 Blessings bro. 🙏🏻
Hey brother, Try taking up intermittent fasting and grab an x3 bar while you're at it. Workout 4 times a week for 10minutes in your house and that's it. I used to be obese and am currently fat again and in the process of losing it all, I have lost 70 pounds in the past before, doesn't hurt to take care of God's temple IF you have the ability to do. Also a cheap walkpad from amazon and a cheap auotomatic standing desk so you can work on your computer and walk will help you MELT fat by walkng 8,000-10,000 steps a day. God bless you in Jesus name
Don't worry about it, brother. There is so much nonsense going around about what disqualifies someone from ministry, that if even some of it were true, no one would be qualified. You were called to the ministry by the Lord Jesus Christ, and to quote a wiser man than I, "He doesn't make mistakes." Forget about these goofballs spouting this nonsense and stand fast in the ministry you were given.
I am a faily newborn christian and I am shocked to see, how gruesome and heartless numerous "christians" are. Didn't Jesus teach first to remove the plank fom you own eye before telling you brother to remove the splinter from his eye? I am on my weight loss journey myself, so I know how hard it is. It is much harder and requires much more discipline than anyone who does not have this same struggle could ever imagine. As long as you know that you are sinning, repent and try to fight against it, you are on the right way. We all keep sinning, even if we do not want to, until we are in the final Kingdom. Even Paul admitted to still be a sinner. However, being heartless and self-righteous, as those commentors certainly are, is probably the greater sin.
If you are unknowingly being tricked and misled to obesity what is your responsibility? Please I want to answer this question myself. So if you add a different situation in place of being overweight what advice should you give as a minister to someone in sin that has no idea that it is a sin? God please help that last sentence be understood as I intended it. We could not understand sin until we had the law. Not that the law caused the Sin , no but sin used the Law against us. We are still in a fallen world with the best deceiver still having control of environment. I think this discussion can have an opportunity to really open up an area that has been a blind spot for many. However I know it is much deeper than most know.
This issue is ridiculous! God’s Word clearly points out that the body of Christ is to uplift each other and not tear others down. As the pastor and husband of an RN who also is a seminary graduate, there are medical issues that cause obesity. True many of them can be treated. However, instead of attacking others, take the plank out of your own eye. And how dare, and whoa to those who criticize those who share and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It's just God's way of reminding you to keep your pie hole closed more, and focus on what's really important, Jesus. You are nothing without Him He approves you and you are the apple of His eye . Fat or skinny, He loves you and that's all that matters.
I'm sorry I just don't understand the Bible passages. It's probably because I don't speak bad exegesis. :P My dude, food isn't your god (little G), so this doesn't apply. Especially reading what comes before Phil. 3:19.
I'd say no, it's not disqualifying. I would say, however, that it should be avoided. I would say that I'm fat. Fat shaming is wrong, fat affirmation is wrong too. It's not healthy and we should do all things to glorify God. Often I think we've become gnostic in this and thinking that the physical health has no impact on our spiritual health. They are more related than we like to admit. So I love you brother and I was over 300 pounds+ earlier this year and am down in the 260s now. It can be done. (Carnivore does work but find what works for you) And I'll say this, being fit can be an idle too. So to anyone reading this make sure your physique is not an idol. God bless you brother.
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Thank you for posting this brother. I am a big guy as well that pastors a small church. I battle with it too. But I also think this: I wasn't always saved nor was I always a pastor. The weight has been there for a much longer time. God bless you man.
Pastor! I am a fat pastor and I greatly appreciate your words! This is such a thoughtful, GRACEFUL response to plain ugliness. Let’s keep fighting for our health, physically and spiritually, and let’s keep leading God’s people as he has called and equipped us to do so! Praying for you, your family, and your church!
Speaking as a “fat” person, people need to pay attention to Matthew 7:3-5. I have been called fat all my life. For the first time in my life I had a dr. Acknowledge my weight and said even large people can be healthy. I don’t eat like people think, yet I am still heavy. I’m over it. More than anything I believe the hurtful people didn’t like your message because I suspect maybe God was poking them through your sermon making them squirm. Don’t worry the haters. Keep preaching WE are listening. You are doing a good work.
1 Samuel 16:7 - I'm really at a loss for words that this would be an issue for someone. I have so enjoyed listening to you and that sort of thought has never entered my mind. It's been a long time since I was in active pastoral ministry and in the intervening time I've been a lot more distressed by preachers wearing $5K sneakers than by someone carrying a few extra pounds. Keep up the great work. My heart resonates with your enjoyment in discussing Bibles, Books, and Theology-Related Things.
Thanks brother!
Short answer: "No"
Long answer: "Nooooooo"
lol
Hey brother I really appreciate you making this video and I sense your pain. I was fat from being a baby until I was 17 1/2 yrs old. The pain I experienced from the bullying in school and how I was made self-conscious of being fat all the time and everywhere I went was horrible. I lost over a hundred pounds my senior year in highschool and didn't look like the same person. I gained the weight back during my late 20's and early 30's and lost over a hundred pounds again when I was around 40. At various times between 40 and around 55 I would gain some weight, 10 to 20 lbs and battle to drop it. I started doing intermittent fasting at the age of 55 to 57 and have continued that to my current age of 64 and that has worked the best for me to keep my weight in check. Regardless of having the outside change in appearance the pain caused to my inner person will always be scared by the abuse and cruelty of others. I pray that you stay strong in the call that God has given you and I understand what you deal with.
Wow, I feel your pain. I was mercilessly picked on for years! It was so bad, that no matter how little or how much I weigh I still have hangups about my weight.
It's sad how cruel some people can be. We all have things we need to work on. A person's size, from skinny on up, can be caused from all kinds of things. All I care is your big ❤. If I lived near your church, I would feel blessed to have you as a pastor 😊 Jesus loves you, Pastor Colton
Thank you. 🙏. Very kind to say that.
There are lots of people who do not over eat who have thyroid problems, or other disabilities that keep them bigger than others. If someone me or anyone who does not know you personally should not make assumptions. Do you speak truth, absolutely at least from what I have heard. That is what matters.
Brother, you are perfect just the way you are. Anyone pointing out anything about you, especially on the internet, is uncalled for. I’m a fitness trainer and have worked with people from all walks of life. We don’t know what anyone else is dealing with or what they are trying to achieve behind closed doors. As a society, we should consciously remember that.
Thank you for the videos you put out, I discovered you about a week ago and enjoy your content thoroughly!!
Thank you 🙏 appreciate the encouragement
You are so right in what you said in this video. People can be cruel and hurtful. But YOU have a truly sweet spirit! Keep the faith and the fight for God is on your side! Blessings to you and your ministry. Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas! Keep making the videos, I enjoy your words if wisdom and your faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's the faith and the calling in your heart that makes you a pastor!
I appreciate your courage to address this issue, blessings & love brother!
Thanks brother. The same right back at you.
My immediate thought is “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” And next I say, if you preach the truth of God’s word, and you love others, you meet the qualifications for being a pastor. Thank you for your internet ministry. I am hungry for God’s word in addition to attending a church fellowship. And I always learn something from your videos. Praying about your house sale also. Love in Christ
Thank you for this brother. Thank you for your vulnerability to us and your faithfulness to the Lord.
God bless you and your ministry.
God bless you Colton! Im bigger as well and preach the word. I have 2 herniated discs in my back and had caused me to gain a lot of weight for the past 5 years. Food has been a struggle my whole life, and its a battle every day. Those who have never gone through it, dont know what its like to try and lose weight. Its difficult and a battle. Others have no place to judge when they do not know.
May God help you with the medical issues you're going through. God speed brother🙏🏼
I struggled with my weight being in ministry for 6 years. We have a task that is not physically demanding, but emotionally and mentally taxing. Makes for heart attack and stroke. I started the carnivore diet back in September and I'm down 65 lbs. Dude, that's what worked for me, and if you reach out I'd be happy to help and give any encouragement I can. I still consider myself a "fat pastor", and even if drop another 100 lbs, I will. People on the internet are really brave saying that stuff when you can't confront them to their face. Just preach the word and do what you can to take care of yourself (mentally and physically!), and let the people who want to hate do what they do. God bless, brother, and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for making this video Colton, God bless you🩵
Thank you for posting this video, the Lord really used your words to encourage me. This is an area of struggle for me as well, and while I try to eat well and get exercise it is still discouraging to hear comments assuming the worst. I have heard many of the things I'm sure you hear as well and I confess that there have been times I have questioned if they are right, should I step down. Thank you for the courage to share your video and these thoughts. I found your channel about a year ago and I look forward to every new video I see pop up.
I’m glad it was helpful to you!
Your a good man, you'll beat this issue. God Bless 👋
I appreciate your vulnerability. I'm a big guy as well and struggle. I know what it's like. Keep up the good work and content. Love you brother!
Love you too bro! Thank you.
Love this video man. Very well presented and laid out. God bless brother.
Glad you enjoyed it. God bless you too.
Love you, brother! Those who are pointing out something about you are just masking the fact that they have sin themselves that they won’t deal with. Your heart for people and Gods Word is evident! Keep doing what you’re doing. The road may be long, but keep moving forward knowing He is bigger!
❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️Just stumbled across your channel 😊 I like what you’re posting, May God Bless your ministry 🙏🙏🙏
I think others should worry about their own sin instead of others. I have no right to worry about anyone else’s sin but my own. We appreciate you and are grateful for your leadership in the church.
Thank you for your kind words. I understand the need for correction due to sin among Christians , but I think it should be done within the local church and done with care and love as the motivation from people who actually know you.
“Worry about the plank in your own eye instead of the splinter in somebody eles”
Your heart, your genuine spirit, your love for people, your skills, your gifts and graces, and your deeply centered love for Christ more than qualify you to serve as Pastor. Those who body shame you and others indulge in the gluttony of judgment. Yes, let’s be gracious and stop hurting others.
I also appreciate 🙏 your courage to talk about this. Confronting it head on is a big step to overcoming it. My wife has a friend who states that her husband and her wouldn't be members under a Pastor who is "not physically fit". My answer was similar to yours that the Bible doesn't mention that in the requirements for Pastors. On another note, I have had mental issues in my past, including a bad diagnosis over 30 years ago. Does that disqualify me? Well, God keeps calling me to it, so I am sure that I would also have to deal with people not wanting to listen to me if I were a Pastor 😢 because of that but we need to do what God’s will is to please Him and not Men. And we also need to live for God and to teach others and ourselves according to what the Scriptures actually say. I also had an Obese Uncle who was a Pastor for almost his whole adult life and lived to be over 70 years old. God rest his soul ✝️.
First of all, thank you for your time and vulnerability with this subject. I myself have struggled with weight off and on all my life. There's a song by Cece Winans called "Alabaster Jar." It talks about cost each one of us gives when we follow our Lord. We each have our own measure of grace given to us by the Lord. You keep doing what you're doing, brother in Christ. And I hope those being rude remember what the Lord says about taking the plank out of our own eye before pointing at the speck in our brother's eye.
You have a good heart for God and our Lord Jesus that’s the only thing you need to be a good pastor ❤
I appreciate you Colton. I love you and your channel. I'm praying for you. I can tell by your last couple of videos you're struggling with some things right now. Keep your head up and stay in prayer. And I'll keep you in my prayers. The Lord is your strength. God bless you brother 🙏 ❤
Thank you 🙏
Brother, I'm 60 years old and I've been in ministry for 14 years, after a career in the military. After I retired from the military, my weight began goin up...and up...and up. At my highest I was 430 pounds. At NO point did any church I serve try to tell me my weight was disqualifying, but they were worried for me because of health concerns. Finally, a year ago, my doctor basically said lose weight or die. I had bariatric surgery and I've lost 145 pounds. Does it make me a better pastor? Maybe. Does it make me a better husband, father, and grandfather? Without doubt. But we are ALL broken and sinful, and if our congregations expect those of us in the pulpit to be "perfect", they are setting themselves up for disappointment, and setting us up for failure. You keep doing what the Spirit calls you to do, and keep on preaching!
Merry Christmas, Colton, to you and yours. Thank you for making this video response. Shows a lot of character.
Merry Christmas to you too!
There are terrible people in this world. Your awesome brother and If you ever need to talk just reach out.
I think you addressed this biblically full of truth and grace, even though I’m sure you were very hurt by the comments. Although, gluttony is a sin, it is not one beyond redemption. I would be more worried about the heart condition of those who could be so cruel towards someone else. Jesus harshest words in all of scripture were to the Pharisees. They worried more about the outward appearance, but they were white washed tombs. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family!
Merry Christmas 😊😊
I am thankful for you and all that you share on your channel. It’s really easy for people to pass judgment from the anonymity of their keyboard. That’s just Satan working through them. Unfortunately some people choose to be adult bullies, but in all reality, there is probably something that you’ve preached on that has struck a chord with them. Keep doing God’s work and know that there are lots of us that you encourage with your content. PS. Praying for the sale of your home. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
God bless you Pastor Colton, and thank you for all you do. 🙏
Thank you Mike. Appreciate you man.
Bless you, brother.
I love you, brother, and know this must be a difficult topic, but thank you for sharing none the less 🕊💛🤍
As pastor with the same struggle I can understand. Thankful for God's grace and mercy of every moment of every day. Stay strong! Also, praying the right house buyer is heading your way
Thank you brother
OMG this topic hits close to me and I felt offended by the way someone treated you. Since I discovered your channel and your videos, I have always followed it and subscribed to it. It has been a great blessing to me. My brother and I have struggled with being overweight all our lives for medical reasons. In fact, my brother died of covid due to complications from being overweight. I have dealt with that problem all my life. But what I find difficult to accept is that someone wants to disqualify you as a pastor because you are overweight. That action goes against what is the Grace and Love that we must have for each other in Jesus Christ. God continue to bless you greatly and I hope to continue watching your channel.
I’m so sorry about your brother. Thank you for your kind words.
Believing that God will make your body look more acceptable to culture if you love Him enough is just another form of prosperity gospel. There, I said it.
As a pastor, I do think health is so important. We carry the burdens of others, both earthly and eternal. Not to mention our own struggles and problems. So health, and mental health is a priority…
Lots of visitations which included food, and fellowship, which includes food… leads to less activity.
I treat my physical health as a ministry and part of my job. Just because I know it’s a slippery slope.
Bless you bro. We are all on a journey.
Merry Christmas brother ❤
Merry Christmas!
There are way worse things that pastors can do than to be fat. I had an overweight pastor and when he preached a sermon once that "the force" in Star Wars was an archetype for the Holy Spirit, then I was outta there! His sermon likened George Lucas's new age beliefs to Christian beliefs. To me that was pretty empty. So anyway, you seem like a great pastor. Also I hope your 2025 reading plan goes great, and I chose the KJV also. They have an "Everyday Bible" that is KJV with all the verses I need to read each day per the date in the book. So I will use that, and I'm sure it will be fun. Keep up the great videos.
1 Corinthians 4
Brother let not the wicked ungodly words affect you. Run your race and continue to be a light to the ones who need to hear your words. God bless you keep fighting
Man, it’s tough to be out on the internet. I make cruise ship videos and I have to delete a lot of fat comments. What was rough recently is we have been trying to find a local church and we attended an info meeting about the church and they mentioned there is all kinds of sin, like overeating for example, while kind looking out way. It was uncomfortable. The struggle is real. Hang in there sir! - Tony
Wow…that’s weird man. I’m sorry that happened. Appreciated your encouragement.
Thanks for not going all liberal and staying balanced, accepting responsibility while at the same time proclaiming our wonderful position as beloved sons under God's grace!!
I sat under a pastor once who said he couldn’t take seriously someone who had “something grossly wrong with their body.” I was the youth and music minister, and was (and still am) obese. This same pastor once declared himself “the standard for holiness” in our church. I wonder which is worse, a “gross” body or a gross attitude? Be encouraged my brother. You are not alone.
Wow 😮.
I'm so sorry you've had to bear this, brother. I know from personal experience how one's medical and physical health can be leveraged against someone, and I pray that the Lord would give you resilience to handle it. Lord, come swiftly.
Thank you. We all have to deal with things. My weight is definitely something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember, and I’m certainly responsible for it. But there is definitely a level of uncharitable responses that are difficult.
@@coltonyarbro The fact that you're taking responsibility for it is the important part though. You're leading your congregation in the charge against sin, empowered by the Spirit within, rather than charging it to their account whilst pretending you've never had to deal with it yourself.
Sir, Keep preaching and deliver God's message. As long as you believe in the WORD you are more than qualified as a pastor.
Pastor, you are not my Pastor but you have my respect. We are all flawed sinners and we struggle daily. I too am a large man and I’ve been battling diabetes for 10 years. I’ve been married 27 years and my wife only knows a heavy husband. This is a real struggle. Some years I win most I lose. My goal is to get health as well this year. If you need support on this battle reach out. It’s easier to celebrate small milestones with people who are in the same boat. God bless you and keep you head up. One pound at a time my friend.
❤
Fear not with God's help and favor, He has now made you just too big to fail brother. You are blessed !
“When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:6-7ESV
No worries brother the Scriptures tell us how the Lord views us. God bless you. We already have an accuser in Satan, we don’t need believers working for the devil with their behavior. God bless you.
As a fellow large man. I understand the war and struggle with weight. Praying and counting calories the best tactic to wage war against sin and indulgence.
There's a good little article about this called "Diet, Theology, and Medicine" by the great theologian John Frame in his book On Theology that you might be interested in. 😊
Hey Brother!!!!! I have Struggled with my weight for my whole life. I am finally understanding after 100s of diets. Losing over 100 pounds at least 4 times. Topping the scales at close to 500 pounds. I am willing to share any information I have, Resources that have helped and Always willing to be a person that is willing to listen and come along side you with the battle. Please let me know if I can help,
Hey Brother you don't owe anyone an explanation. The battles that you have with your weight is between you and Jesus and no one else. I'm a big guy as well and your not the only one fighting this sin. Keep up the good work.
Well, the motivation is what matters here, as there other reasons to overeat besides gluttony. Severe feelings of rejection, depression and low self-esteem are a very common reason people are overweight, and this is not motivated by simply the indulgence of eating, but attempting to alleviate and remove an inner pain of the soul that for some reason never heals properly. There are also matters of other kinds of spiritual bondage that one is simply struggling with and often in combination. If one is doing the best they can-and relative to a normal person it is often a far greater struggle-then we know it is simply an indicator of being in a fallen world. And the cycle is vicious in that the judgments of others make one feel more even more insecure.
Everyone’s struggle is different, no doubt.
Absolutely not. I am a staunch believer that 1 Timothy 3 lays out the requirements. Nothing there disqualifies a fat pastor.
As far as over indulgence… well that’s absolutely relative. What is overindulgent to one may not be for another. As you said, we don’t know your battle. You may weigh TWICE as much if you REALLY overindulged. What we see may be the fruits of one battling.
Bless you brother.
Your bravery to openly talk about this increases your credibility for proclaiming the gospel. I'm a random viewer and have seen your other videos. It never crossed my mind that being so overweight would disqualify a pastor - but - I often think to myself how good it would be for you and for your proclaiming the message of the gospel if you were set free from the weight. You say you've lost the weight before, so, you know already what a burden it is lifted from you. I lost about 80 pounds by only eliminating sugar. If that might be helpful, I offer the zero sugar idea. It worked well for me. Peace be with you! I am praying for you.
Thank you I know this hurts you. I’m sorry that another Christian thought it was ok to be so cruel. Just because someone is “overweight “ doesn’t mean they are a glutton. I’m so sorry so sorry just keep showing the fruits of the spirit. ❤God bless you brother.
I am so sorry that immature and insensitive people have had the audacity to attack you about this issue. You are definitely doing the Lord's work and with all the sin in the world calling out a Godly man because of something like this is extremely un-Christian. There are ministers and teachers out there who openly defy the Word of God and promote sexual immorality and idolatry, and they think your size should disqualify you from the ministry? Theirs is the greater sin. Don't let those people bother you (and I realize that is easier said than done) and keep on following your call. I appreciate your videos and always look forward to them. God bless you and I hope you and your family have a very, very, Merry Christmas.
I've also seen this in my feeds. I appears to be coming from critics of Doug Wilson. It's easy to criticize someone who's big when you're not. It's also easy to criticize people online. It saddens me to know this has affected you personally. I've never once thought you were too fat to be a pastor. May the Lord bless you guys to sell your home and bless you to have a very Merry Christmas! 😼
@@AJMacDonaldJr merry Christmas to you too!
Merry Christmas
Same to you!
Intermittent fasting helped me to correct my inappropriate idolatry with food. I do it a few times a week where I only eat one meal a day. And helps me to maintain a healthy weight.
One thing to think on in the qualifications mentioned in Titus and Timothy is to be “above reproach.” Being obese could cause one to be reproached as a pastor. It will also inevitably shorten ones ministry as your health problems associated with obesity will cut your time shorter and will have less energy to do it with. Our bodies are a temple… and so we ought to take good care of that temple.
For as long as you love Jesus and the gospel I don’t really have an issue with it. Character is so much more important than an outward appearance. Also, I may not know you personally but you seem like a great dude! Don’t let those people get to you.
The qualifications include temperance. Tempreance would exclude over indulgences of any kind not just food. I say this as a fat person myself who knows I don't meet the qualifications. That said I'm not content to remain in my sins. I'm actively working toward resolving my sin issues that go way deeper than over indulging with food. That expression of sin for me personally is just the fruit of a much deeper root that has nothing to do with food. I'm in Christian therapy dealing with the root and I know God goes before me to fight this battle to guarantee it's sucess but that doesn't mean I don't have my own part to play. I'll be praying for you God bless.
every one of us sin, whether knowingly or not, so it is hypocritical to just condemn or judge someone.
most of the people who actually do this are not only sinners, but appear to be unrepentant (From my experience).
There are literally pastors committing adultery and blasphemy and they seem to be getting a pass. it boggles the mind.
sorry you have people making those comments.
keep doing what you’re doing brother.
i prayed again for your family and selling the house. 🙏🙏🙏
I'm a big pastor, too. I too am warring against the sin of gluttony. But something I think people need to take into account is that our country has an obesity problem. I think the numbers show we're at almost 60% of the population is overweight or obese. I don't think we have an overindulgence problem so much as we have a fake food and addictive food problem, coupled with intentional societal stress. If you look at pictures from the 50s and 60s, most people were skinny; now, most people aren't. Something changed, and it isn't that we suddenly became an overindulgent people. But, many people don't want to have the conversation about big food and big pharma and what they've done to destroy our civilization all for the sake of the almighty dollar. It's easier to say, "oh, I'm not going to listen to an overweight pastor," all while being addicted to their morning coffee or whatever. Keep fighting the good fight, my friend. And remember what Paul said, "physical fitness is of some benefit, but stay spiritually fit" (Marshall paraphrase).
Very good points brother. Thank you. 🙏
I have been guilty of making my body and physical fitness my idol. Yes, we can all be guilty of gluttony and drunkenness as a part of our human frailties, but we can all find victory in the Lord! “8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
I actually get creeped out by pretty boy fit preachers 😅 and they usually are theologically disastrous anyway. Pastors I enjoy that are large bring the Word like no other. I just get sad when their health declines early. Being big, i feel the struggle and we can gain the discipline 💪
Hearing this saddens me. We all fall short of the glory of God. Matthew 7:5 comes to mind regarding those who say such things, "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Dear Colton, I am a 62 year old man who has always struggled with a weight problem. I am a human being, so by my nature, I have tendency to judge others. But, everyday, I ask Lord Jesus to be more like him and see people not on the outside, but by their heart. Jesus judged people by their soul, not what they look like. And your soul, to me, looks very loving and caring. Don't worry about the outside. Just keep doing what you are doing, to be more like Christlike on the inside. Keep the faith and GOD BLESS YOU.
God looks at the heart.
If your weight doesn't prevent you from doing your job, then your weight doesn't matter in that job, regardless of what some drama queens say. Keep walking the path of God and your own way.
As an aside for the masses of Brethren here saying things like "you are perfect just the way you are": The Lord never speaks about being "too strict with yourself", but He does talk about Hypocrisy
And to be clear, I know I’m not “perfect the way I am.”
I want to keep this as short as possible...As a brother in Christ, I want to recommend the keto or carnivore diet to lose weight and get you healthy. Eating fat won't make you fat, exercising won't make you lose weight, for the most part, exercising only builds muscle. Eat as much as you want but eliminate as much carbs from your diet as possible. Try to keep it at 20 grams a day or less. Just do your research on youtube. There is a lot of info and videos out there about this subject and it works. You won't be hungry on theses diets. I've been doing it for 5 years. You will fail if you count calories, my friend. I will pray for you.
I don't recall Titus or 1 Timothy 3 list weight as a requirement to be an overseer or deacon. We are in a neverending war with the flesh while we are on this side of Heaven so keep on fighting brother as we all have to do as the enemy knows our weaknesses. We all struggle with sin and fail at times so our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ should be there to encourage and help... and not be overly critical or disparaging.
Nope, everyone has their short comings. If we believed the answer is yes, we'd all be hypocrites!
Question? Can you do a video on the 5 Solas please
@@MotoBmx01r would love to at some point. I e preached on each one before and those sermons can be found on my church RUclips channel. I realize they may be longer videos than what you want to watch, but I’ll link them below anyway.
ruclips.net/p/PLc5i4oWT4bEsQDkVeF1t1_4E48d5Iawfy&si=FBgCXOPLvORnSjte
@@coltonyarbro Thank you
Now I feel bad about the Hagrid jokes, even though I more commenting on the fact you’re way taller than me and your hands are massive compared to me.
Don’t feel bad about those! lol. I love Hagrid! Never thought anything of it brother.
@@coltonyarbro Occasionally I’ll put my hand on my Bible and be like, “how?!” My middle finger barely reaches the top of the Jerusalem cross.
Yet, there are pastors that are clearly on steroids and see their bodies and people's admiration of their bodies as Idols. I don't see a body type in Titus 1 and 1 Tim 3. Keep doing your thing brother.
“D. L. Moody and Charles Spurgeon were both 5' 9" tall and weighed 350 lbs. Both won over a million people to Christ. If it is a sin, it would appear that God is not opposed to using such sinners. After all, all He has to use is saved sinners and failures so why would fat be an obstacle He could not overcome?”
Rebuking a brother or sister is done in the context of a loving, committed relationship. Not in the context of some stranger's comment section. I find those who are quick to point out some minor issue and make it a massive heresy are usually the ones who have a deep hidden sin they are seeking to minimize. Those comments are best just ignored, the original critic won't listen to rational arguments.
My is to ignore/delete them from now on.
No, it doesn't disqualify you. We all have something we need to deal with in our lives and hearts.
Even Paul was short and fat. He who points a finger has 3 pointing back at them. Ya know, it’s pretty sad that bullies have taken their misery out upon people on the internet. They are lonely and jealous. As far as the weight is concerned, Kennedy said he was going to look into shutting down the FDA. It’s what we are eating that’s causing us to blow up like a blimp. I’m not exactly fat, but I’m not slim either. Keep preaching the Word brother. Satan can’t stand it. 🤣 Blessings bro. 🙏🏻
Thank you for your encouragement!
Hey brother, Try taking up intermittent fasting and grab an x3 bar while you're at it. Workout 4 times a week for 10minutes in your house and that's it. I used to be obese and am currently fat again and in the process of losing it all, I have lost 70 pounds in the past before, doesn't hurt to take care of God's temple IF you have the ability to do. Also a cheap walkpad from amazon and a cheap auotomatic standing desk so you can work on your computer and walk will help you MELT fat by walkng 8,000-10,000 steps a day. God bless you in Jesus name
Don't worry about it, brother. There is so much nonsense going around about what disqualifies someone from ministry, that if even some of it were true, no one would be qualified. You were called to the ministry by the Lord Jesus Christ, and to quote a wiser man than I, "He doesn't make mistakes." Forget about these goofballs spouting this nonsense and stand fast in the ministry you were given.
Thank you for your kindness. Just trying to be faithful and honest.
I am a faily newborn christian and I am shocked to see, how gruesome and heartless numerous "christians" are. Didn't Jesus teach first to remove the plank fom you own eye before telling you brother to remove the splinter from his eye? I am on my weight loss journey myself, so I know how hard it is. It is much harder and requires much more discipline than anyone who does not have this same struggle could ever imagine. As long as you know that you are sinning, repent and try to fight against it, you are on the right way. We all keep sinning, even if we do not want to, until we are in the final Kingdom. Even Paul admitted to still be a sinner. However, being heartless and self-righteous, as those commentors certainly are, is probably the greater sin.
If you are unknowingly being tricked and misled to obesity what is your responsibility? Please I want to answer this question myself. So if you add a different situation in place of being overweight what advice should you give as a minister to someone in sin that has no idea that it is a sin? God please help that last sentence be understood as I intended it. We could not understand sin until we had the law. Not that the law caused the Sin , no but sin used the Law against us. We are still in a fallen world with the best deceiver still having control of environment. I think this discussion can have an opportunity to really open up an area that has been a blind spot for many. However I know it is much deeper than most know.
This issue is ridiculous! God’s Word clearly points out that the body of Christ is to uplift each other and not tear others down. As the pastor and husband of an RN who also is a seminary graduate, there are medical issues that cause obesity. True many of them can be treated. However, instead of attacking others, take the plank out of your own eye. And how dare, and whoa to those who criticize those who share and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
@@timstevenson9585 I’m definitely not above criticism, but I understand what you mean. Appreciate your encouragement.
It's just God's way of reminding you to keep your pie hole closed more, and focus on what's really important, Jesus. You are nothing without Him He approves you and you are the apple of His eye . Fat or skinny, He loves you and that's all that matters.
I'm sorry I just don't understand the Bible passages. It's probably because I don't speak bad exegesis. :P My dude, food isn't your god (little G), so this doesn't apply. Especially reading what comes before Phil. 3:19.
If you are fat just don't preach on gluttony, problem solved, right? Lol
Not at all. lol. Still would preach about it and admit it’s been an area of struggle.
I'd say no, it's not disqualifying.
I would say, however, that it should be avoided.
I would say that I'm fat. Fat shaming is wrong, fat affirmation is wrong too.
It's not healthy and we should do all things to glorify God.
Often I think we've become gnostic in this and thinking that the physical health has no impact on our spiritual health. They are more related than we like to admit.
So I love you brother and I was over 300 pounds+ earlier this year and am down in the 260s now. It can be done. (Carnivore does work but find what works for you)
And I'll say this, being fit can be an idle too. So to anyone reading this make sure your physique is not an idol.
God bless you brother.
Well said. Thanks bro.