Dr. Maxwell Maltz, an acclaimed plastic surgeon once wrote a best selling book, New Faces, New Futures, describing the tremendous changes in individuals' lives after having plastic surgery. He told many stories about "ugly ducklings" who were given a new life by receiving a new face.
Unfortunately, after the publication, Dr. Maltz discovered he had made some serious errors. A careful study of all his patients revealed that people were generally no more happy with life after a plastic surgery than before. He found that a face lift did not automatically bring a better life.
So, Dr. Maxwell Maltz quite the plastic surgery business and devoted the rest of his life to helping people find inner beauty. He discovered that true happiness comes from the inside. It isn't obtained with a new face.
This is not a new concept. The Bible has lots to say about inner joy and peace. Building a better life is an inside job.
The Bible has lots to say about inner joy and peace. Building a better life is an inside job.
Many people miss this point. A quick Google search for "Better Life" brought the following results:
"The Better Life Health Spa will take your problems away!"
"Take our herbal vitamins daily for a better life!"
"55 and retired --Now, that's the way to a better life!"
"SWF, 29-45 seeking relationship with SM, 29-45, I want to give you a better life!"
From a rock group -- "A better life means more noise!"
From a rock group -- "A better life means more noise!"
Finally, my favorite: "For a better life -- try cheese!" (Wow! What a breakthrough! When life unravels, all I need to do is run the refrigerator.)
Actually, the only way to a better life is to become a better person -- and the only way to do that is to let the Perfect Person (Jesus) direct it.
He can transform you into a better person -- with better thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It's an inside job. He, alone, can bring the better life."
Originally published to Rev. Mark O. Wilson's blog "Revitalize Your Church" on September 26, 2019.
