Tight Jeans & Truth

I heard a person characterize their sheltered childhood in terms of being intentionally kept narrow-minded. When this person spoke of maturing, he/she referred to the mind uniquely being opened to new possibilities. These possibilities were considered fresh and eye-opening, thereby leading this person to pursue a different lifestyle that became more fulfilling than the teachings of a narrow-minded childhood. From my perspective, the lifestyle choices of this individual were questionable, and I wondered how one makes such drastic changes in belief systems?

While there are certainly neither easy answers to this question, nor quick fixes, I do believe the above scenario represents common human experiences. Take the biblical Eve, for example. She did not choose to eat the fruit simply because she was starving, and an apple was her only option. She choose to eat the fruit because she was enticed to eat it. She considered the options before her, and she believed the lies of the serpent. We all make similar evaluations and decisions on a regular basis. I struggle with eating too much. I hate the way my jeans fit, but when edible options are before me - even while in my tight jeans - I have a hard time choosing the healthy option over the more convenient option, or the more tasty option. My taste buds have experienced a different lifestyle, and they find the new lifestyle option quite fulfilling - whether it is best for my body, mind, and spirit, or not. My desires regularly convince me to compromise (and to forget about the tight jeans).

The serpent, the enemy, is very good at convincing humans that what is best for us is really rather narrow-minded. The enemy makes his way appear fresh, and new, and delicious, and oh, so wise. He entices us by making us believe that our struggles and hardships may be overcome by following his way, rather than God's way. The road of the enemy is complex - as one compromise leads to another until one does not even recognize the difference between Truth and deception. There are many people who are feasting on deception, and they do not even know it!

"There are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for their god is their appetite: they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is life here on earth" (Philippians 3:18-19, TLB).

God gladly provides Truth to anyone who sinerely seeks Truth. Seeking Truth, much like pursuing healthy lifestyle choices, takes discipline and focus. I know the joyous feeling of fitting into a smaller jean size, but the fulfullment of finding Truth is beyond measurable!