There once were two brothers who each owned a horse. They fed in the same pasture, and the brothers were afraid of getting the horses mixed up. They went to town to see the judge, who was the smartest man they knew, and explained their predicament.

“Well,” said the judge, “just cut the mane from one horse, and then you will be able to tell them apart.”

The brothers returned home and clipped the mane from one of the horses. The plan worked quite well, until a few weeks later, when the horse’s mane grew back.

Another trip was made into town to see the judge. This time the judge suggested cutting off one of the horse’s tail.

The brothers returned home and following the judge’s advice, cut the tail off one of the horses. Everything went well until several months later when the tail grew back.

Another trip to town, and more advice from the judge. This time they asked for a more permanent solution.

“Why don’t you measure the horses?” suggested the judge. “Perhaps one is taller than the other.”

The brothers when home and measured the horses. They now had a permanent solution. The judge was right. After carefully measuring the horses, they found that the brown horse was almost two inches taller than the white one.

Sometimes, the solution to our problem is so simple that we overlook it. I’ve heard a person say to be saved is the easiest thing in the world, and that’s why so many people miss it. Jesus paid the price for our sins by shedding His blood on the cross. He provided salvation for us. Some people want to make it difficult by saying, “first I must change” or “first I need to clean up my act and quit some of my bad habits.” These things may very well need to be changed, but that’s not how we are saved from sin. It takes a simple childlike faith to believe that Jesus gave His life so we can be saved. After that, your lifestyle will change. Jesus will help you lose bad habits and guide your steps in the direction He sees fit for your life.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.