Journey of the Word

I see it in the man who guns down more than fifty in a matter of moments. I see it in the church leader who chooses someone other than his wife. I see it in the habits and choices and purchases and selfies, and if I could see thoughts, I’d see it there, too.

I see it in the homelessness and poverty, the bars and casinos, the detention centers and recovery groups.

I see it in the one who longs for a real, loving relationship. And turns for the fifth and sixth time to a selfish abuser because he says she’s beautiful.

I see it in the girl I’ve known my whole life, who enters my home and shares a few clean laughs, but the emptiness in her eyes and her internet profile speak a different story. Where money, and sex, and fame compel her to sell herself and throw her life away.

I see it in the former stripper, former addict, former drug dealer, former drunkard. When “former” is no longer, because, for a few moments of fleeting pleasure, these are once again current realities.

For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 

I see it in the heart of one who turns his eyes from evil things when no one is looking. And I see it in the performer who is willing to say, “No.”

I see it in those who withstand a few months in plush America so they can return to their very crude, un-American home where hopeless neighbors dwell.

I see it in the tired mother who remains faithful in the little things, knowing her little ones are her greatest assignment and privilege.

I see it in the business man who arrives at his secular workplace every day with a secret mission: the soul of every person he sees.

I see it in the words of a man who possessed the greatest joy on his deathbed – for “it is not death to die” when you are owned by the Resurrected.

I see it in the family who chooses a child over a boat or a Disney vacation. The politician who is more concerned about that one Name than his own. The rich couple whose wealth is known only because of an unceasing, quiet generosity.

For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 2 Pet 2:19

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

From Romans 6:15-23

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