A TV series that ran in the late 1960s followed the travails of a baffled man who found himself in a village. It was a happy place. Everyone was smiling. Everything was clean and neat. It did not seem sinister, at least on the surface. Perhaps a little like that city Disney built outside Orlando where every thing must be the same. Nice and neat and clean. And everyone is happy all the time.
The man felt trapped even though very well cared for. There was no way out.
The man was in constant pursuit of Number Two. This person would be the gateway to discovering Number One—the true overseer of the captivity.
Gene Appel, pastor at Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, CA, pointed out something that resonated at a deep level. “Your past mistakes limit your future options.”
You’re a guy with a group of guys. Just hanging out. After midnight. Do I need to state that nothing good happens when there is a group of guys hanging out after midnight.
Someone has a brilliant (well so you thought) idea. The net result is that the whole group is busted. Arrested. Jailed. Tried. Even if it’s a misdemeanor, it’s on the record.
Now you want a job that requires security clearance. Oops.
Or, you’re a girl or young woman. All the other girls have guys. They all talk about the great sex they are having (or so they say). You’re guy applies a little pressure, and…now you’re pregnant. Yep, your future is now limited.
Our choices may not be that extreme, but they do limit future options—sometimes that’s good. Sometimes it’s bad.
When we are limiting ourselves, we had best do so intentionally. Stop and think about the future consequences of our choices.
Oh, and the man in the village? During the last episode he gains a meeting with Number Two. An empty chair is in the room reserved for Number One.
Number Two of course tells the man to have a seat. He’s been Number One the entire time. He has imprisoned himself!
What about you and me? Have we let our mistakes and poor choices imprison us? Time to break free.
Gary Mintchell
Faith Venture 