The world or the way

Imagine yourself surrounded by people dressed in drab robes, women cooking bread over an open fire, hair messed, sandals worn, feet covered in dirt from the floors of their homes. Men leading donkeys and camels through the crowded streets, with raised voices and quick movement, and children playing with sticks alongside the pathway. This was the way of the world before Jesus came. We think of these days as simple, hard-working, settling for little to eat, and little of life’s pleasures.

Now, imagine yourself back into today’s society, fine clothes, fine restaurants, fast cars, and luxurious homes. Everywhere you look there are air-conditioned buildings, groomed streets lined with sidewalks, bushes, and trees. There are shops filled with exquisite collectibles, jewels, clothing, and food prepared on a whim.

The proof of how far the world has come is astonishing, really. From inventing the wheel, to traveling on land, on sea, in the air, and thousands of miles into the unknown world of space. People were never weak or unintelligent. They have always been adventurous and innovating. But somehow it seems hard work was a must back then. They needed to grind corn to bake, walk miles to bring food home, and lived according to where the water supply was plenty.

Today we work hard, yes, but the provisions of life are practically handed to us on a silver platter. There are still a lot of similarities between the generations. Self-seeking pride, the lust for power, and hate towards one another. Today we live in a fast-paced world, appearing to demand instant gratification. And we’ve grown into a mental state of the self-seeking desire to want more. We have become a generation of lies. We believers must move to exhort the truth of the One who reigns in sovereignty – God.

Jesus taught us that the ways of the world, both then and today, are not the answer. Self-gratification leaves us wanting more and dominance attaches itself to a greedy arm. But more is never enough. Jesus taught us that He is the way. Jesus walked the road of humility, service, and love. And yet, He evidenced leadership, power, and accountability. That’s the perfect example
we, as His representatives, need to follow.

Even though we’ve come a long way all these years, we need to remember that others will follow our lead as believers without being arrogant or proud. Others are watching – and some even curious – of the life of joy and peace we live, even in a chaotic world. The way of the world is intense, demanding, and frightening at times, but the compassion we wear, the praise we
emit, the love we extend can change lives forever – ours and theirs.

Jesus answered: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

-Sherri Cullison