A few years ago, my young doctor convinced me to try a whole-food, plant-based diet to address some medical issues.
When he saw my look of confusion he said, “That means you can’t eat anything with a face, and you can’t eat anything that comes out of anything with a face. Also, no oils.”
It sounded incredibly unchristian.
I was really against eating like a hippie, but I didn’t have much of a choice. There was no other way to get off my medication.
Shannon, being Shannon, decided I shouldn’t suffer alone so she has also been eating a whole-food, plant-based diet.”
Yesterday, Shannon showed me some before and after pictures. Holy smokes!
Before eating like a rabbit, I looked like a gigantic sausage squeezed into a miniature suit.
I didn’t even know how that happened. I had been thin my whole life and suddenly, I was the size of a Baluga whale.
It happened one small mouthful at a time. I had become morbidly obese and never saw it happening.
I think becoming a real-life Michelin Man and the power of sin have lot in common.
They are both unrecognizable processes that take place in small increments but lead to devastating results.
Whenever we commit a sin and think it’s no big deal, we take another step down the road of destruction. Eventually, we get there.
James warns us of the progressive nature of sin by saying, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” (James 1:14-16)
It happens one step at a time. Don’t take that first step. Instead, every day, choose to be Holy. There is no other way.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am about to sin, make me aware of what is happening, and give me the strength and resolve to resist. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The lesson is simple. Live a holy life and don’t sin!
Also, just for the record, the two constants in my life are when I was very heavy and now that I am a lean mean fighting machine, God has continually shown me grace, and I have always been good looking.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 