I, along with hundreds of millions of us, am cautiously breathing with more
ease now that the blown out well in the Gulf of Mexico appears to be plugged
abating a potential Revelationish plague. We are being reminded that now
that the flow has ceased there are still major remaining after effects. It's
just like stopping a sinful behavior. We stop. God forgives. But the
aftermath, the natural fruit, continues on. We can stop mistreating people
but instant harmonious relationships don't begin the next day. We can stop
smoking but healthy lungs don't miraculous fill our chests.

A teen once told me he was thrilled with the Gospel. Since he was young and
it took several years to destroy his young healthy body he was going to try
everything. When he was in his thirties he would give his life to Jesus, be
forgiven and thus will have had the best of both lifestyles. Really?
Should he live to his chosen reformation year he will have to deal with the
aftermath of broken relationships, addictions not so easily set aside, and
impaired abilities. Actually there is a larger issue. Who says an
unhealthy lifestyle that focuses on self-gratification at the expense of
others is something to be desired? Is there really a best to that?

The U. S. Army used to have a great slogan. "Be all that you can be."
Should he have attempted his divided life he could never be all that he
could have been. If you begin a journey with a cup half full you would
never be what or where you would have been had you begun the journey with a
full cup. The aftermath will always be there.