Key Scripture: “Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying?” (Matthew 6:27).
In this fascinating Scripture passage, Jesus highlights that human effort and anxiety cannot overcome physical limitations. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, teaching that God cares for human needs (such as food and clothing), rendering anxious worry useless.
However, this has not stopped some men from attempting to add cubits to their height. When we discuss the topic of identity, or how we see ourselves and what we value as most important in our lives, it is critical to remember that for the believer, identity must be grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Basing your identity on any thing or any person other than Jesus Christ is to build your life on quicksand.
Physical exercise is important. All of us should be involved in a little more temple upkeep. Dressing well and exercising good grooming habits is also important. We don’t want to needlessly offend. However, the Scriptures also remind us: “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
We can lift weights, run, eat well, and transform our bodies in many ways. But Jesus told us worry cannot add to our height. However, this has not stopped some men from attempting to add cubits to their height.
Are you familiar with leg-lengthening surgery? Limb lengthening is a surgical procedure that increases height by 2 to 6 inches by breaking the femur (thigh) or tibia (shin) bones. An internal magnetic device or external fixator is inserted to gradually pull the bone segments apart, allowing new bone to fill the gap over 6–9 months.
Getting taller is not cheap. It is costly! $100k-$200k+, often for cosmetic purposes, and carries risks like infection, non-union, and nerve damage.
Here are some of the painful procedures and techniques involved with this surgery:
- Osteotomy: Surgeons cut the bone, usually the femur for greater length gain, though tibias are sometimes used.
- Distraction Phase: A device, such as the PRECICE internal magnetic rod, is used to pull the bones apart at a slow rate, often per day.
- Healing: The body naturally fills the gap with new bone (callus), which eventually hardens.
- Weight Bearing: Patients are often unable to put weight on their legs for months, requiring wheelchairs or walkers during the initial phase.
- Duration: The process involves 6–9 months for full recovery.
- Pain & Physical Therapy: The surgery is painful, requiring intensive physical therapy (often 60+ sessions) to maintain joint mobility.
- Risks: Potential complications include infection, blood clots, nerve/vessel damage, joint stiffness, and non-union (bone fails to grow).
- Cost: In the U.S., costs typically range from $100,000 to over $200,000, which is generally not covered by insurance.
Why do I list all these painful processes? I want you to literally feel the lengths some men will go to improve their own self-image. I’m sure hair or chest implants are painful. But I cannot imagine having my own legs broken just to become a couple of inches taller!
What are the results of these procedures? Various reports say patients can gain up to 3 inches with one surgery, or up to 6 inches with subsequent, separate surgeries on different leg segments. The surgery does not change torso proportions, only limb length.
Let us all work on our inner character, values, and let’s leave our self-image firmly planted in the life and work of Jesus Christ. And remember, men and women look at our outward appearance, but God looks at our hearts!
© Dr. Paul Pettit
www.dynamicdads.com
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
Dr. Paul Pettit
Dr. Paul Pettit serves as Director of Career Services at Dallas Theological Seminary and teaches in the departments of Spiritual Formation, Leadership, and Pastoral Ministries. Dr. Pettit is also the founder of Dynamic Dads. Dynamic Dads is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging fathers everywhere in their demanding yet highly rewarding role of leading their family.
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