Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. Matthew 7:13-14 MSG
If you want to follow a thread on social media that describes the pull of short-cuts, google “Kelly Clarkson-Weight Loss” and you will see a full range of emotions. The singer/talk-show host had a significant weight loss in a seemingly brief period of time, and of course there’s always a shark somewhere poised to take advantage of any sales opportunity. There are actual interview articles where Kelly credits trainers and exercise, a new eating regimen, protein, changing the way she thinks, and a number of other factors for her weight loss (most importantly, listening to her doctor, which she had never done before 😊) but nowhere does Kelly mention medication or gummies of any kind.
However, credit to some form of technology I don’t understand, videos have been created that purport to show “the new Kelly” and the very recognizable Dr. Oz attributing her weight loss to miracle-working overnight gummies – no need to diet or exercise. People have flocked by the thousands to buy them. Despite the raging that this is fraud, accusations that they advertise one bottle for $39.95 and then you are on an automatic charge for $189.99 for 6 bottles every few weeks, AND the assertion over and over that “THIS DOES NOT WORK!”, people keep ordering and being disillusioned. Why?
You know why. Short-cuts are appealing. We want to believe they work. I want to lose weight. What I don’t want to do is count calories and carbs, drink 64 oz. of water a day, and work out. I would rather just take a pill. I want weight loss and health that costs me as little as possible. Most of the time when something seems too good to be true, it is. The truth is that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Do you want to have a good marriage? It takes consistent effort. Want to be a good parent? It’s never easily done – it requires presence and perseverance over years. Everything worth having costs.
If you want the incredible “too good to be true” life that is truly life (John 10:10) Jesus promised, it will cost you. Many people try to sell a brand of Jesus that is low cost, high benefit – He will just fix everything for you with a prayer. He will do the struggling – you are along for the beautiful ride. That’s the path to disillusionment. Believing in Christ and trusting Him for your salvation starts the journey, but it’s only the beginning, not a magic pill. Living here and now in the Kingdom of God’s reward and purpose requires daily following. We are called to follow Him, becoming increasingly like Him. How long will it take for me to become like Jesus? My whole life. It will be a daily walk, but a walk with Him. The rewards of His presence will be more than worth it.
- Jesus, I want to drop my fascination with shortcuts. Help me fully follow.