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Are you drawn to the latest hacks or the quick 5-step transformations?  Have you ever experienced true lasting change as a result of a hack or quick-fix solution?  

What was your last major transformation?  How long did that take?  Was it hard?  Was it worth it?

In the Bible, Jesus calls out people for doing the outwardly thing (i.e. the quick fix or hack) without doing the inner work for true and long-lasting change (i.e. what they were truly called to do).

For instance, the Bible makes very clear that we should take care of our aging parents (not a bad deal as we too will need someone to take care of us one day).  

However, back in His day, people would instead dedicate a sum of money (perhaps equivalent to the effort of taking care of their aging parents) to God via donations to the local temple. [Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition]

In other words, “hey mom and dad, instead of taking care of you, please know that I’ve made a donation to the local temple in your name.”

Reminds me of a Seinfeld episode, “A donation has been made in your name to The Human Fund.”  

The distinction that Jesus is trying to make is not that what your doing on the outside is necessarily bad, instead it’s that you’re doing the outer things without truly experiencing the inner transformation you were called to make.  Inner transformation requires a different level of effort and cannot be solved by a quick fix.

Essentially, we’re being called out for doing the easier thing versus the harder thing we were really called to do.

Yes, we’re checking a box, but does that box get us what we really want or get the job done?

Here are some other examples. 

“Instead of…”

• visiting my mom for 15 min a day…I’ll come over dinner once a week.  
• going to the gym a few times a week…I’ll fast once or twice a week.
• making lifestyle changes for my personal health…I’ll take that new weight loss drug.
• reaching out to potential customers directly to learn more about their needs…I’ll send out a quick survey.
• calling my friend or colleague about something that’s really bothering me…I’ll send a really long email or text.
• asking that person I’m really interested in for a date…I’ll just send a text.
• the list can go on and on…

If it truly matters to you and you were called to do something, go all in on the transformation. Chances are, you already know what you need to do even if you don’t have the courage to declare it.

If You Are Seeking True Lasting Change or Fulfillment

Beware of companies trying to sell you on the quick fix solutions.  The problem is that you’ll keep buying from them forever since you never get the result.

These types of products, services, and solutions keep you on a treadmill that looks and feels like progress but isn’t getting you anywhere.

I’ve spent thousands of dollars on these products and services, always thinking this will short cut me to the result. However, nothing meaningful that I’ve ever accomplished came easily. In the end, I’ve always appreciated the harder work and deeper effort required. From that I truly grew and developed.

In most situations, you know what you really need to do in order to get the job done.

Do that because whether you win or lose, you’ll be able to live with yourself and the result.

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Relevant Sources & Inspiration for this Article

Bible in a Year Podcast – Day 157 – Gospel of Mark, Chapters 7-8