The Lies that Bind

The phrase “special moments in the cafeteria” seems like the quintessential example of an oxymoron.  Few of us would find anything remarkable or appealing about an invitation to the cafeteria.  However, one of my most important lessons was learned in the cafeteria.   When I was a student living on campus at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, I was intrigued and inspired by the words that were emblazoned in the top right corner of the trays in the cafeteria.  Incorporated into the insignia of the institution were the words “Ye Shall Know the Truth and the Truth Shall Make You Free.”  The words are from John 8:32.  These powerful words invited careful consideration of the sentiment they are intended to convey, as well as consideration of the implicit warning—if truth leads to freedom, lies lead to constraint. 

“We are the sum of all our experiences” is a phrase often attributed to BJ Neblett that simply means that we are shaped by the things, both positive and negative, that have happened to us.  There are some things that have happened to us, both good and bad, that we can never forget.  How we remember those things will determine the trajectory of our lives.  Too often we can become so bound by the past experiences that we are unable to embrace and pursue the good that we’ve experienced and the lofty goals to which we aspire. 

Prayerfully, church is that place where truth is proclaimed, faith is nurtured and freedom is not only discovered, but shared.  Over the next few weeks, we pray that each of us will grow in ways that our sharing together will help us to learn even more about the ways that our choices can make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.  As we continue using the book “What’s Next?” by Chris Hodges, we will explore more about our Christian journey and God’s desires for our lives.  “You are members of God’s very own family . . . and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (Ephesians 2:19 TLB).

We are looking forward to seeing you not only in worship, but also in the small groups.  Sunday classes are offered at both campuses at 9:00, 10:30 and 2:00.  Hodges reminds us that “we can’t grow in our faith if we walk alone.”  In John Wesley’s sermon “Catholic Spirit,” he noted ‘join with me in the work of God.”   Together, let us go, let us grow and let us know the will of God for our lives that we might all be free.  

In Christ,
Jon McCoy