On the 9th Trip Around

A very overweight man decided that it was time to shed a few pounds. He visited a nutritionist, went on a new diet, and took it seriously. He even changed his usual driving route to the office in order to avoid his favorite bakery.

 One morning, however, he arrived at the office carrying a large, sugar-coated cake. His office mates roundly chided him, but he only smiled, shrugged his shoulders and said,

 "What could I do? This is a very special cake. This morning, out of my forced habit, I accidentally drove by my favorite bakery. There in the window were trays of the most delicious goodies. I felt that it was no accident that I happened to pass by, so I prayed, 'God, if you really want me to have one of these delicious cakes, let me find a parking place in front of the bakery.' Sure enough, on the 9^th trip around the block, there it was!”

CONSIDER this troubling poster I saw recently.  It read, "Lead me not to temptation, but just show me where it is." Why do I consider it troubling? Because this is the essence of bigotry crossing over hypocrisy – the outcome of casual Christians who think they can manage the power of temptation by themselves. 

Still going around on your personal 9^th trip? Just stop and instead of looking around you better look up.