A certain man was troubled with dizzy spells, redness in his face and bulging eyes. Every day when he went to his office, he experienced these things. Weekends were not so bad, so he concluded his work was causing his physical discomfort.

 

He went from one doctor to another and none could tell him what the problem was. He consulted psychiatrists, psychologists and psychics. What was wrong? Why was he constantly suffering from dizzy spells, redness in his face and bulging eyes?

 

He tried everything, it seemed. Nothing helped. He finally resigned himself to the fact that whatever was causing all this was fatal. It bothered him so much he began to lose weight. He couldn't sleep at night. He feared he would never overcome this. He became a nervous wreck and his health began to deteriorate. He had lost hope that he would ever recover.

 

He decided to prepare for the worst. He made out his will, bought a cemetery plot, instructed the preacher what he wanted at his funeral, and even made arrangements with the local undertaker. He was fully convinced of his soon demise. He even decided to buy a new suit of clothes to be buried in.

 

When he went into the clothing store he was measured for everything. He picked out shoes, socks, coat, and pants. The sales person asked, "What size shirt mill you be needing, sir?" "Size 15, please," he replied. The clerk said, "But, sir, I believe that is a bit small. Let me measure your neck size." After the measurement, the sales person said, "I'm sorry sir, but your will need a 16 1/2, not a size 15." But the man insisted, "No, I have worn a size 15 for years."

 

The sales person tried several times to convince his customer that he needed a 16 1/2, but the man would have nothing of it. Finally, the exasperated sales person said, "Well, sir, if you insist, we'll get out a size 15, but I must warn you, you will have dizzy spells, get red in the face, and your eyes will bulge out."

 

Some people are so set in their ways; they will never admit the obvious. Some are so unwilling to change they appear to prefer to remain spiritually without comfort. Being unwilling to change or being set in our ways is spiritual deadness. Yet how many are so foolish to remain the same year after year? The apostle Paul wrote that the Christian walk was that of transformation, and it is not just a one time thing either. It is to be a daily one. A daily self reflection causing a daily renewal of our minds. When we examine ourselves, what do we see? Is there something that needs to be changed? What are you waiting for? How much longer will you wear the wrong size shirt? Fix it and press on toward the goal and be renewed in Christ! Long ago, a very wise men wrote: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise "(Prov. 12:15).

                                                                                                                Eric