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Nip/Tuck

There are so many advertisements on television these days for cosmetic surgery. Seriously, pick any day and just count how many plastic surgery ads you see as you're watching television...and if you are home during the day you can bet that number will be tripled, at least.

These ads are out there because our society has presented us with an image for what body shape is acceptable. Either you have it or you pay for it. And of course paying for it is the quickest and easiest way to have an acceptable body if you weren't "blessed" with one naturally.

No matter what you think about cosmetic surgery, you'll have to agree that in theory it makes sense. To get rid of fat you have to get rid of fat. Seems overly simplified, but it's true.

So it is with our Christian walk. To get rid of sin, you have to get rid of sin. Simple. How you get rid of it makes a difference, though.

I'm told that if one relies solely on cosmetic surgery to control weight gain and body fat content, that person will be miserable because neither a nip nor a tuck are sufficient. I often hear people who have had some sort of weight controlling surgery done complain because they gain back everything they've lost and more. That happens only when the person fails to implement a corresponding change in lifestyle (i.e. calorie reduction, consistent exercise).

But if you combine the nip and tuck with a new and healthy lifestyle, I'm told that the results can be phenomenal.

My conclusion: there is no "quick fix" solution. Like with weight loss, so it is with Christianity. A nip/tuck here or there might be a catalyst, but it is ultimately useless if there is no long term lifestyle change.

Yes, it means being diligent in reading and studying the Word...

Yes, it means cultivating a dynamic prayer life...

Yes, it means obedience to God above all else...

Yes, it means walking an inconvenient path.

My advice (for what it's worth): read Romans 12.

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