I walk- a lot! There are few things I love more than being outside hiking through the mountains around my home. I love the feel of the sun on my face. I love the sound of the wind as it whispers through the trees. I love the smell of the leaves as they become compost in the fall. I love the sight of trees budding in spring, turning the whole landscape green. I love the feel of the ground under my feet. Truly, walking, for me, is an entirely sensory experience. But, even more than that, walking has become a time to pray, a time to reflect, a time to glory in Creation, a time to breathe in the goodness of God.
I was walking down a mountain trail recently, and, to my dismay, I kept falling down. The ground was extra wet from heavy rains and snow melt, making the leaves and rocks treacherously slippery. As a result, I slipped and slid repeatedly the whole way down the hillside. Each time I went down I worried that I would hurt something, that I wouldn’t be able to walk home. Fortunately, I was able to make it home, soaking wet and covered in mud, sporting only a minor injury to my forearm. That whole experience, perilous though it was, made me realize just how blessed I am to be able to walk like I do. And that realization made me think of crutches….
I had a student once tell me that religion is a crutch for people who are too weak or too stupid to stand or walk on their own. Those were actually his exact words. Not a very auspicious beginning to our relationship, for sure! However, I realized immediately that he was simply trying to agitate me, to bait me into an argument, knowing that I called myself a Christian.
I didn’t take the bait that day, but I’ve thought about his words from time to time over the years. And, you know what? I’ve come to realize that that student was actually both right and wrong in his assessment. The distinction lies entirely in the definition. My student’s definition of crutch focused on weakness and on lack of intellect. My definition of crutch, conversely, focuses on strength and wisdom.
Yes, my religion, my faith in Jesus Christ, is my crutch. Not because I’m weak or stupid, as my student implied. Quite the opposite, actually. The Bible very clearly states that leaning on the Lord, knowing the Lord, fearing the Lord is where wisdom is found. Look at these scriptures: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Notice, it is the fool who despises wisdom and instruction. But the wise are acquainted with Him and are at peace. Good will come to those who receive instruction from His mouth and who lay up His words in their hearts (Job 22:21-22).
The Bible says in Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (3:5). To lean on the Lord, to trust Him, to allow Him to be my crutch is the opposite of leaning on my own understanding. Allowing the Lord to support me, to hold me up, is actually the wisest course of action I can take. It is the beginning of wisdom.
Religion, my faith in Christ, does not hold me down. Instead, it lifts me up. My faith gives me wings. My faith allows me to fly (Isaiah 40:31). My faith allows me to run, to run through a troop and to leap over a wall (Psalm 18:29). My faith enables me to take up my bed and walk (John 5:8). My faith enables me to take up my cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). My faith enables me to serve Him and to serve others, to sacrifice for Him and for others (Deuteronomy 13:4; Hebrews 13:16). My faith enables me to endure all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). My faith enables me to count tests and trials as all joy (James 1:2). My faith enables me to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). My faith gives me rest (Matthew 11:28).
So wherever you are today in your faith journey, know that you have a crutch in Jesus. And that’s a good thing! But know also that He is so much more than a temporary support. He is the pillar of your faith, the rock on which you can stand. The firm foundation you are built upon. And He is more than enough.
Be blessed today!