My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7
Lessons from the Land of Oz
One of my favorite scenes from the Wizard of Oz movie comes near the end.
Dorothy and her three friends, Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow, have finally received an audience with the Wizard.
Having realized he is only a man behind the curtain, they still ask for the help they need, but it doesn't come in the form they expected.
They always had what they sought; they just needed it revealed.
Dorothy could get home; surprisingly, her three friends already had what they proclaimed they were seeking.
The Lion was courageous.
The Scarecrow was smart.
The Tin Man had a heart.
They needed someone to speak to them and reveal what was already there.
Oh, how we, as followers of Jesus, are so much like Dorothy's three compadres!
We need to be Oz, too, and reveal who are friends are in Christ.
Have you sought in God's word who He says you are?
Who are the people in your life who already tell you that your identity is found in Jesus Christ?
Who must you reveal the Father's heart to in your circle? Or outside your circle?
Lord, we are who You say we are, redeemed, beloved, holy, and blameless in Your sight. May we walk as Your children, the sons and daughters of the Almighty King! Amen