Get Your Walking Shoes!

"Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me.'" - Mark 2:14

I remember wearing slap bracelets in 3rd grade, watching "My So-Called Life" in 8th grade, carrying a beeper in 10th grade, and watching almost everyone around me wear a yellow Lance Armstrong bracelet in college. More recently I've observed tidal waves of people sign on to Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and a nation hoping for a change mobilize together to elect a new president.

For a culture that values individuality, we sure love to follow the rest of the flock. If we're honest with ourselves, most of us are followers and not leaders, and that's perfectly fine as long as who and what we're following is actually worth it. Looking back at what I've followed, I've observed a lot of trends come and go, but throughout time, Jesus Christ is the only Truth that has remained, yet so many of us would rather put on a bracelet and act like we're part of a movement as opposed to actually getting on the path and walking with a true leader. I wonder what else people are looking for? Do you want someone who understands your suffering? Even to the point of death? Jesus not only understands but died for you so that He could help you along the way (John 15:13). Do you want someone to believe in and inspire you? Jesus said believe in Him and you will see the glory of God (John 11:40). Do you want someone to make you happy? Jesus said He came to give you life in abundance (John 10:10). Do you want someone to protect you and those you love? The Lord said that if you honor Him He will deliver you from evil and protect you (Psalm 91). How about someone who really loves you and would do anything for you? God sent His only son to show you the way (John 3:16). What more could you possible ask for than what Jesus did and who He is? He said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), and walked the path first for us. In my opinion, there is nothing or anyone else we should be following than our Lord Jesus… so I suggest we pick up our walking shoes and start following right behind Him…

Today's Prayer is courtesy of the Pastoral Formation Institute:

You asked for my hands, that you might use them for your purpose. I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth, to speak out against injustice. I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes, to see the pain of poverty. I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life, that you might work through me. I gave a small part, that I might not get too involved.

Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you only when it's convenient for me to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so, and with those who make it easy to do so.

Lord, forgive me… renew me, send me out as a usable instrument that I may take seriously the meaning of your cross. Amen.