Many years ago my wife and I were traveling through Toronto. Toronto is a very large city. My wife had the map on her lap and I was driving. As the road turned into 8 lanes, I said “hurry up, I am not sure where we are”. This created instant panic and I had to apologize because I really did know where we were, but was kidding around. Okay, so that was not very nice or funny. (Did I ever tell you…)

Many people grew up with maps. Many people never understood maps. Me, I was enthralled with them as I would look at all the places I could go and how fast I could get there. I loved the colors, the lines, everything about it. So, when I find a map, I grab it! A map provides you with the overview, the big picture.

I am not the “anti-Christ” when it comes to technology, but GPS doesn’t really give you the big picture. (Ever try to fold a GPS? I just love folding maps back to their original state. Uhhh…not really!) Neither does GPS really allow for you be you. Sarcastic Sally (GPS Voice) just tells you the turns and how many miles. Blow her off and after a bit she seems to intensify or just stop talking.

People are listening to a machine with a unusually whiny voice for the most part. (What happened to Chrysler’s sultry, sexy voice of the early cars telling us “your door is ajar” or “your headlights are on”? Though in all truthfulness perhaps I am just remembering my youth! But my 280ZX did have a particularly annoying voice.)

In our culture of “feed me, entertain me” we have forgotten what it means to be self reliant or have personal discipline. We have lots of people who do not know how to do lots of things. We have fostered a fearful culture, afraid to take chances or implement creativity or even think about it another way. Everything has protocol.

Protocol-the accepted or established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation. The word comes from two Greek words. First page + glue. (More on that in a moment. It also began a vertical trend in usage in 2008 or so. Hmmmm…)

So, if you establish protocol, everybody has to follow. Unfortunately, I am reminded of the plight of the lemmings. The cute, little furry creatures that stampede to jump off the cliff into the ocean! (Or maybe the Hale-Bopp Heaven’s Gate crowd.)

Back to the first page and glue. As I found a Ron Kenoly CD, I was reminded of “whose report will you believe”. Too often our lives are stuck in the first few pages (law) and we make it protocol, a place of stickiness and bondage and expect others to tell us what it means.

The biggest inquiry I receive is “how do I hear God”. God is less like GPS and more like a map (Is that not why Bibles and not cell phones and tablets are Genesis to MAPS?)You have to understand the nature and the character of God to have a “hearing” understanding. I know His sheep hear His voice. But, if you do not understand what it means… (”Your door is ajar.” Really? I thought it was a door!)

My prayer lately has been for people to “get it”. To have understanding. (Funny, I mistyped this and it came out “udderstanding” and I thought, well that is appropriate for what I am saying.)To recognize the value of being discipled to a healthy and productive life. Unfortunately our moment by moment, 140 character life style is not getting folks where they need to be. I understand the process, but I just think it can be better. It is time to move from milk (Udderstanding)to meat(Understanding). There has to be allowed an overriding truth or a bigger picture.

It is time for a restoration of creativity, critical thinking and hearing for ones self.

How do we do this? Here are a few thoughts.

• Read your Bible.
• Allow real discussions about God and His word to be a part of your sports discussions…
• Ask questions of God and mature saints.
• Be willing to be weaned.

I am sure others will have more and I encourage you to add them in the comments section below.

Got questions? Write me.

To have Lee into your next meeting or conference.