Cosmetic surgery has been popular for some time. People go to cosmetic surgeons wanting to look younger, older, wiser or like their favorite movie stars. Sadly, they sometimes come out looking like an altogether different person.
We all like the idea of changing, of becoming something different than what we presently are.
Starting over again.
Reinventing ourselves.
Experiencing a new beginning.
Certainly, our culture is obsessed with change and self-improvement.
I heard about a woman named Shirley who was from Beverly Hills. One day, she had a heart attack and was taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near-death experience. She saw God and asked, “Is this it? Is my life over?”
God said, “No, don’t worry. You have another 40 years to live.”
Shirley figured that since she had another 40 years, she might as well make the most of it. Upon her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have collagen shots, cheek implants, a facelift and liposuction — the works. She then had someone dye her hair.
When she walked out of the lobby at Cedars Sinai, however, an ambulance speeding up to the hospital killed her. She arrived in front of God and said, “I thought you said I had another 40 years?”
God replied, “Shirley! I’m so sorry, but I didn’t recognize you!”
Here’s the problem: We recognize the need for change, but we work on the wrong part. We want to change the outside when the problem that needs changed exists on the inside.
Plastic surgery, new hair styles and clothing might make us feel good for awhile, but it doesn’t last. So, what we really need to do is figure out what needs fixed, and fix that.
If history has taught us anything, it’s taught us that it isn’t our hair that needs fixed, it’s our hearts.
In fact, God has been saying the same thing for centuries. He tells us, “The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
That sounds pretty bleak — a deceitful heart, a wicked heart. New clothes, hair, makeup, jewelry, toys or surgery isn’t going to fix the heart. Only God can do that.
But here’s the great news: That’s exactly what He wants to do.
Check out what the Bible says in Ezekiel 36:26, “I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you.”
The best part is this: God wants to do this for you and it won’t cost you a thing. All you need to do is ask.
So, the next time you’re thinking of updating your wardrobe style or your hairstyle, take a moment to consider changing your heart. That’s what needs it most.