An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed some excess pounds.  He took his new diet seriously -- even changing his driving route to avoid his favorite bakery.  One morning he arrived at work carrying a gigantic coffee cake.  Everyone in the office scolded him, but he continued to smile.  “This is a very special coffee cake,” he exclaimed.  “I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and there in the window were those wonderful goodies. I prayed, Lord, if you want me to have one of these delicious coffee cakes let me have a parking place directly in front of the bakery.  And sure enough,” he continued, “the eighth time around the block, there it was.”

Many of us can identify with the fellow at two points.  First, if we’re genuintely interested in change, we must first recognize our rationalizations for what they are -- mere foolishness.  And second, we must admit that we’re not strong enough to flaunt ourselves in the face of temptation.