Can I Speak to You Personally?

Freedom is a responsibility of both individuals and communities. In fact, it may be the most personal of our all our responsibilities. We must think on our own. When we become mature we can no longer be students who just copy their teacher's notes, revise the information, and return it again on an exam. Instead, we must assimilate and create something new. Our minds must be free to discover truth and personalize our conclusions.

Our actions are similar. Freedom means that we have the responsibility to act aware that our actions bring consequences. It is thrilling to act in freedom. We have thought through the possibilities and weighed the consequences. Then as we act we step into thrilling expectations. We may or may not have calculated accurately, but the consequences are our own.

Church should be an environment of freedom. We are free to reason and discover. This discovery empowers new ventures for both individuals and our community. However, for some freedom brings the fear of losing control. When that happens many retreat into religious rule keeping.

We have been journeying through a letter written by Paul to a group of churches in Galatia who were like dear children to him. His children had tasted freedom, but it was uncontrollable. Then out of fear they were seduced by religious showmen who mastered in special rules.

Paul spoke to them "professionally." He explained the theories. He hoped the theoretical explanation would be enough. Do you ever feel this way? Wouldn't it be great if all of our disagreements could be handled without personal issues?

However, professionalism is not enough for our human nature. We must think, see, feel, and experience. We must live in community. Since faith is so personal, freedom must also be very personal. Thus Paul also became very personal. He spoke to his children of their struggles with rule keeping and magic formulas. He reminded them that he started with them as partners. His partnership was not one of power, but one where his children knew his struggles. They saw him sick, discouraged, and tired; but still continuing. Humble leaders are inspiring for authentic seekers.

I imagine that for many of you religious professionalism is not an enchanting show. You long for the authentic. You want to discover and act in freedom. You want to be part of a community where you can be free to deal with personal issues.

If so, I hope you will join us this Sunday at CCR. We'll look at a very personal letter. We'll see the struggle of freedom. Hopefully, we'll be inspired to embrace our personal freedom.
mana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins