For a writer, one huge benefit of an experience like the IJM Freedom Tour is the opportunity to reflect. The experience itself is amazing, but the looking back is where the real learning happens. As we head home after spending the weekend with our friend Jon Swanson, I’m trying to distill my thoughts.
In the past few days I’ve posted four articles:
Becky’s cautioned me that some might view my observations as critical or judgmental, especially toward some of our national heroes.
Have my comments seemed critical?
I admire Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington. They demonstrated courage and integrity in difficult times. I certainly didn’t intend to be judgmental or deprecating toward these great men.
We all have heroes, people we admire, leaders we trust. We support worthy causes and subscribe to ideals.
But no person, cause, ideology, or theology is flawless. No matter how worthy or inspirational, all are imperfect. When we forget that, we’re drawn into a sort of worship. We transform our worldly inspirations into gods.
No worldly ideal is worthy of worship or blind obedience. Our spiritual enemy desperately seeks to conceal this reality. Whenever we follow or indentify completely with any person, cause, or set of ideas, we’re headed down a treacherous path that leads to anger, divisiveness, and conflict.
When we follow any person or ideology, no matter how commendable, we’re exactly where the enemy wants us.
I choose to follow Jesus. He’s the lighthouse, the true guide, the standard by which I measure all other choices, guidance, and ideas.
When measured by His example, everyone falls short. Acknowledging that truth, facing the reality of a flawed, broken world, is the only way to discover authentic freedom.
Jesus isn’t a cause or a collection of ideas. He’s a person who invites us to follow and live in a relationship of real freedom, grace, and truth.
I don’t know how to follow. When I try to do it myself, I always mess up. That’s why I need Him to live in me and journey with me. He’s the only perfect guide.
That’s not criticism; it’s simple truth.
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