Coke Is The Real Thing!        

Then What Is Pepsi?        

Not so many years ago I was addicted to Diet Pepsi. I'd get to work, put all my stuff down and head straight to the Pepsi machine to get my first one for the day. By the time the day was over, I easily had consumed about eight of them. For me, it was the real thing that gave me that rush I needed.

In our iconic society Coke and Pepsi has stood the test of time. Each of them in their image mutations have carved out a niche. Coke has solidified itself as the "real thing" while Pepsi is viewed as a product for "a new generation." Anyone who drinks either one has an undying loyalty to that respective beverage. I was no exception. I still don't like Coke even though I stopped drinking Diet Pepsi years ago because it was literally causing me excruciating abdominal pain. Wow, something I loved that was detrimental to my existence.

Addictions of any kind are not healthy for us. All too often rather than walk away from the habits that threaten our very existence we justify them. Recently, one of my sisters had a heart attack. When I chatted with her about what could have caused it, she pointedly stated a series of things that could have contributed to it. I adamantly stated to her, "You have to stop smoking!"

Wow! What a concept that smoking could be a major culprit to her having a heart attack. Naturally it took me back to when I was abusing Diet Pepsi. One day while working on the weekend I became, so I thought, deathly ill. I could barely drive myself home because I was in so much pain. I made the decision that day not to ever eat Taco Bell again. It had to be the culprit.

Come Monday morning, I waltzed back into work, put my things down and headed straight for the Pepsi machine to get my daily dose. No sooner had I taken the first gulp the pain came back. Well, that was it for me. I wasn't going to drink Diet Pepsi anymore.

All too often we are seeking God for healing, when we actually need deliverance from the unhealthy habits that are causing us to suffer. You see, we respect healing, but not health. Now my sister has eliminated a lot of foods from her diet in her quest to establish a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to smoking, well, that is another matter. For whatever reason, she hasn't quite connected the dots.

There are people with high blood pressure, diabetes and host of other health ailments who will justify their eating habits, alcohol consumption, etc. Regardless of how bad they feel they won't change. Our mindsets are powerful. What we feed our minds will determine our success in overcoming addictions of any kind. Even addictions of fueling our minds with self-depleting words that tear down and do not build up.

At some point, you have to come to the realization that these things are not good for you. You have to make a conscious decision to turn from the cursed things. This can only take place when you take a realistic look at your habits, acknowledge your culpability and stop doing them. You make the choice. Success begins and ends with you! Now that is the real thing!