After seeing animals on Safari (picture to the right is from when I was in Kenya in 2007), it's hard for me to go to the zoo. Even the best zoo seems to pale in comparison to seeing these amazing creatures in the wild. My kids, on the other hand have yet to see them in action so they are enraptured by these beautiful creatures. Yes, a lion is awe-inspiring no matter when you see them, but something about seeing a massive mane rise out of the grasses of the Serengeti will bring you to your knees.
As Andrew and I were looking at the different animals at the Columbia Zoo this week, we were talking about how the zookeepers feed the animals and it hit me how domesticated these animals actually are. They probably don't really know how to hunt or get their own food. They are fed every day, multiple times a day, every need is catered to in order to keep them comfortable; sounds like a pretty cush life. But here is what they don't have: freedom. No, there are no predators but there is also no running across the Serengeti at full tilt to catch prey.
So I asked Andrew, what would you rather be: a zoo animal with all your needs met, but no freedom OR a wild animal with all the dangers but complete freedom? If I am being completely honest, I desire freedom but in my heart, I value comfort, safety and ease.
We are faced with choice: to follow Jesus wherever he calls or ease. Following Jesus feels out of control, dangerous and scary. It is also wild and an adventure beyond where I would ever take myself. The other option is staying in the safety of all I've ever known, be fed 3 square meals a day but never know the rush of freedom.
Following Jesus full tilt doesn't mean you'll have to move (but it might), it means being in lockstep with him so that when he says, "Talk to that person" or "Give them what you have" or "Stop," you do it because you know that what He offers is freedom.
I'm making myself a sign for this year: Are you wild or caged?
I'm not sure about you, but in my heart of hearts, I want to be WILD!
