In the race for Governor of Alabama in 1986, there was much turmoil in the primary for the
Democratic nomination. The primary result was contested by one of the candidates, and a “trial”
of sorts was held by a panel of the State of Alabama Democratic Executive Committee. During
this process a witness was called to testify for one of the candidates who was said to be an expert
witness. This “expert” used the line from a popular quote attributed to Lewis Carroll of, “If you
don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” I’m not sure how this line affected
the outcome of the hearing, but it was then used by newscasters and newspaper editors for
weeks, and it has stuck in my mind for all these years.
This seems to be the way so much of our culture is living these days. They have been taught by
educators that they are only here by some cosmic “accident” millions of years ago, and there is
no real purpose to their life. Students are being taught that “truth” is whatever they decide it is
for themselves. There is no “absolute truth!” So, students and young adults are wandering
through life with no purpose and no direction.
So, what message does the Church, those who are living in the grace and power of Jesus Christ,
have for this present culture? Often, I have heard fellow believers expressing that they wish they
had lived in some bygone era, “When life was simpler.” May I say that life has always been
filled with difficulties and challenges?
Our message should always be through the filter of the grace of Jesus. We should love the people
of our day enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word, but we should always do so with love
and compassion. But we should first know where we are going. What road are we on ourselves?
Others will never follow us if we seem as confused as they do! Do we have the assurance that
our sin has been and is being forgiven through the blood of Jesus? Are we living in His grace?
Are we listening to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit?
I remember being in the car with my son when he was around 8 or 9 years of age. I was listening
to a CD by John Maxwell about the difference of being a leader vs. a follower. At the end of the
lesson, I asked my son which he wanted to be. After several minutes of silence, he finally spoke.
He said, “Dad, I want to lead others as I follow Jesus.” In that moment, the Holy Spirit had used
my son to deliver a powerful message to me! I have never forgotten that message!
I trust that you and I will always understand the absolute Truth of God’s Word, and may we lead
others as we follow Jesus!
You are loved!
Pastor Mark
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