THE WAY

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. John 16:4a 

While shopping recently this bottle of perfume caught my eye. It wasn’t the lovely floral smell or the pretty, pink bottle that got my attention but rather the name: “My Way.” It made me smile and immediately brought to mind Frank Sinatra’s popular song, “My Way.” Frank Sinatra is one of my favorites, and I love that catchy tune. It’s a song of independence and finding your own way through life. This reflects our independent, strong, self-reliant culture and celebrates claiming our voice as we make our way through difficulties. But sometimes that translates to an attitude of “my way or the highway.” While independence and claiming your voice are both admirable, it can become problematic if “my way” is the “only way.”  

We see a lot of clashes in our culture today because each group wants to do it “my way” with no room for discussion, debate, or compromise. We live in a world that encourages us to stand our ground and never back down. It’s hard to move forward, progress, or create if we aren’t willing to compromise or listen to another point of view. While we claim our voice and our way, we are also called to follow the way of Jesus. God’s word and Jesus’ ministry call us to look to scripture for “The Way” that guides us into Jesus’ truth, life, and love for the world. This means being vulnerable, open, and considering other’s voices. This Lent we will listen for God’s call to us asking questions that might help us to follow the way of Jesus. That is, the way of love.

Jesus is the way, Pastor Andrea