Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. – 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2
Have you ever sought out advice on something and received an answer that didn’t seem like an answer? Maybe the person answered your question with another question. Maybe they answered your question with a riddle or metaphor like Paul did above.
This may seem frustrating. You may have felt this frustration when you read Jesus parables for the first time. Why not just give me the instructions simple and plain instead of making me figure it out?
I know I have been in that place many times but there is a reason for the riddle. Truth cannot be reached through words alone. The best we can do is try to get as close as we can to the universal by tucking it away in a story that everyone can relate to.
Rarely is there ever a thing that we should do 100% of the time in every single situation. Sure, life by be simple but it is never without its nuance. It is up to each and every one of us to examine our lives and ourselves to determine the right course of action.
Only you, with the help of God, can chart out your path.
It seem easier to just follow the direction of someone that you admire but if you did so then you really wouldn’t be walking your path. You’d be walking the path that they have determined for you.
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ReplyDeleteSaul should've done as he was told by the primary vs. falling prey to peer pressure.
ReplyDeleteIt is much easier to follow the road paved by another. Though if done with results leading to dissatisfaction there still wouldn't be anyone to blame other than self.
I'd much rather give consideration to the thoughts of those I respect yet follow the decisions I determined. They may be the same as those provided by respected peers. At the end of the day though, if a mistake were made I could find some peace of mind knowing it was from my own decision vs. having blindly followed the thought of another.
I do have to admit though, it would be nice to "follow and blame" someone else every once in a while.
(Btw: the link above refs: Jeremiah 15-17)