Last September, my doctor talked me into going on a plant based diet in order to get off a necessary medication that was causing adverse side effects. When I told Shannon what the doctor said, there was no going back. She was all in.
After over ten months of a diet without meat, dairy, or any oil, our bodies have gone through a radical transformation. Shannon, who has always been a show stopper, is even more beautiful and looks like a much younger woman. And while I have always been extraordinarily good looking, now I am a lean mean fighting machine. This is all good but there is a problem. None of our clothes fit.
Shannon has enjoyed shopping for a new wardrobe but I don’t shop for clothes – ever.
In order to make sure I don’t look like a little boy trying on his father’s clothes, Shannon shops online for me. This is a good thing because she has excellent taste.
When a package arrives, I try on whatever Shannon ordered. If it fits, we keep it. If it doesn’t fit, we return it for a different size. I am fine with trying on clothes as long as I don’t have to shop.
Yesterday a package arrived. I tried on the shirt for Shannon. When I walked into the living room to model the shirt, I said: “It’s hard to believe I am this good looking.” Shannon said, “It is hard to believe.” I hate it when she laughs like that.
Even though she said the right words, I doubted her sincerity. I think God has the same sort of experience with me.
There are times when I say the right words about fidelity to God, forgiving others, living a life making a difference for those in need, and yet, there are many times when my actions don’t back up what I’ve said. The sincerity is not there.
More often than not, I continue to be self consumed, miserly, unforgiving, and placing my own wants before God’s wants. But that cannot be for those who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
When Jesus saw the huge disparity between the way the Pharisees acted versus what they taught, he realized they were not sincere. He said to the crowds: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:2-3)
To be faithful to the One who created, redeemed, and sustains us means that we don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. This can happen if we humbly ask God to help. God will not give up on us.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I fail so often. For this I am truly sorry. Help me live in response to your wonderful love. Remove all hypocrisy from my life and help me be the person you created me to be. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I am convinced the very best way to live is to always be sincerely faithful to God. Anything else leads to a shallow, hollow existence. God wants more for us than that.
So choose this moment to be sincere in your devotion to God. Live the life that God created you to live. You will be blessed.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 