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| The Village Of Effort |
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This story is one I wrote in relation to my upcoming 2 part series at church. The series is titled, Breaking the Chains: Ending The Cycle of Sin and Guilt. I start this series at Faith Baptist next Sunday-August 26th, 2007 9:00, and 10:30 AM. The first message is titled "Give Up On Self, Give In To God" I hope to see you FBC readers for the series. Here's a preview for you, and anyone else reading my blog...
The Village Of Effort
By: Chris Chesley
Once upon a time, in a land close to all of us, there was a man who journeyed relentlessly, yet not to any particular destination. He was known as simply, ‘The Traveler.’ He seemed to always be in search of some place to rest, but never seemed to find it. There was nothing particularly unique about this traveler, except that in addition to the necessary tools and provisions he carried, he wore a rather heavy wooden plank upon his chest. This plank was rough and dark, with an inscription that read simply, “GUILT.” The plank was not fastened to his coat, or shirt, but instead was held in place by heavy chains wrapped around him. Oh he had tried so hard, and so many times to unfasten the chains and loose this ugly, heavy slab from his chest. All his efforts were useless though, and he was forced to carry this load with him wherever he went. This was why he traveled. He journeyed in constant hopes of finding someone, anyone who could rid him of this nuisance, and the pain it caused him.
Yet, every village he went to seemed doomed to the same fate as his own. On a day much like many others, and one full of discouragement and failed attempts to rid himself of the plank, the traveler happened upon a small, but inviting, and industrious looking village. “Perhaps here, I will find relief!” He thought to himself. As quickly as he could, he hurried down to the village where he saw the large banner over looking the gate which read, “Welcome, All to the Village of Effort.” Despite this odd title, the traveler hurried inside the gate and began to look around the village square. He saw many villagers bustling about, and heard pleasant sounds, smelled wonderful smells, and immediately felt his spirits begin to rise. “Surely, here I will find someone to help me,” he said to himself.
As he began to look closer at the villagers themselves however, his hopes fell dashed and shattered; for they too wore chains with similar looking slabs of wood. The traveler went up to a person standing close by, and saw that their plank read, “Addictions.” Another villager passed by him and the traveler was barely able to make out the word, “Anger” upon his chest. The person the traveler had walked up to whose plank read “Addictions” spoke to him.
“May I help you with something?” he asked.
The traveler replied, “Unfortunately, it appears not.”
The traveler then explained that he had come into the village hoping that someone could relieve him of his heavy plank which he had carried for years. Upon seeing that the villager shared this burden however, he knew there was no hope for him.
“Is there no one here who knows how to destroy these terrible planks?” The traveler asked.
“Well, we certainly try,” was the villagers reply. “In fact we used to spend all of our efforts and energy to rid ourselves of them, which is why the village is named ‘Effort’.” Once, long ago, some people actually managed to get their planks off, and everyone rejoiced and was filled with hope. Sadly though, not long after the planks were removed, one day they appeared again and in even stronger chains. It seems that despite our best efforts, we cannot remain free.”
“So nothing at all can be done?” The traveler asked sadly.
“Well, there is a rumor-” said the villager, “one that has supposedly been verified by a few who used to live in this village.” The villager pointed his finger to a hillside that rose above the far end of the square wall. “Do you see that silhouette on the hillside there?”
As the traveler strained his eyes, he said, “Yes, I see what looks like the shape of a man.”
“Well,” said the villager, “rumor holds that there is a man up on the hill who promises relief from these horrible planks we carry. He claims to have the answer for ridding yourself of the burden.”
“What is it?” asked the traveler in an excited voice. The villager could not tell him the answer however, because he had not personally been to the man. The villager only told him how to get there, and when the traveler asked why this villager, and others had not climbed the hill to see if the rumors were true, his answer was that the climb was over rough ground, and that it was said the only thing this man asked in return for taking away the planks, was for the people who wore them to never again return to their village, but to remain there with Him, and to meet with Him each day, in order to be truly free from the burdens.
“It is so comfortable here, despite this plank, and all I know and am familiar with is here. I just don’t want to venture out into the unknown, and uncomfortable.” The villager replied.
“Well, I am not content to continue to try on my own to get rid of this awful burden.” Too long I have done that, and I cannot any longer. I am setting out to see this man, said the traveler.
“Fare well,” said the villager. The traveler thanked him for the information, and set off toward the hill.
After a long and treacherous climb, he reached the man who stood at the top. The man said to the traveler,
“Come unto me, you who are weary and heavy, burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The traveler asked if it was true that in order to be free of the plank, he must not return to the village, but must remain with him, there on the hillside. The man confirmed the rumor, and said that was all he required. He told the traveler that it would not always be easy to do, and that it frequently becomes cold and uncomfortable on the hillside, and at times, the traveler would want to return to the comforts of the village.
If he would remain though, despite the hardships, the man promised he would always keep the plank from returning and that the traveler would know true freedom and joy all his days. As soon as the traveler agreed to the terms, the plank began to splinter and the chains stretched until both fell completely off and vanished away. Overjoyed and with tears in his eyes, the traveler fell to the man’s feet with gratitude pouring from his lips.
“I must know your name”, the traveler said.
“All who stay call me Savior.” Was the man’s reply.
This is what the traveler called him, and the traveler himself received a new name. |
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