The Journey and the Wizard of Oz

Several years ago I read an article about Christian leadership that compared our role in life to that of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and I think that is a good way of thinking about our lives as pilgrims. We are to know where we're going and to be welcoming and inviting along the way to any and all who are seeking change in their lives, who are aware that something is missing or not as it should be. Along the way Dorothy was always willing to accept those who would join her, never judging them by what they weren't but for their genuine willingness to share the journey and to admit their needs. No one on the journey believed they were "all together." They accepted one another for who they were and did their best to support one another collectively. They cared about one another even though they were sometimes frustrated with one another.

Vulnerability is key to the Christian life, especially in community. We have to be able to trust one another enough to share our needs with one another. Ever since the first sin we have hidden from one another and blamed one another. Jesus came in order that we can come out of hiding. We can acknowledge our sin knowing that in doing so and having faith in His Name that indeed we shall not surely die. Accepting His sacrifice puts us on level ground, sinners saved by grace, struggling with temptation and desires and falling down regularly in our walk. We need others to be there to pick us up, assure us of forgiveness and keep us pointed toward Jesus.

We are those who know where we're going but we remain on the journey, aware that we aren't there yet and aware that the hope of wholeness lies at the end of the road, not at any point along the road. We continue to be on the journey all our lives, never attaining to complete Godliness in this mortal frame. We can make the journey alone in the body but never alone because the Holy Spirit is with us always, but God's gracious provision for us typically includes others with who we can travel and we should rejoice to have brothers and sisters on the way with us and we should always be welcoming of others who are willing to share the journey.