Becoming Lord of the Rings

About six months ago, Angela and I watched all three of the 'Lord of the Rings' movies. While watching I was deeply moved. It became so apparent to me that the ring was a symbol of an addiction to sin in my life.


The reason we sin is because we want to.

The reason Gollum let the ring destroy him is because he wouldn't let it go.


We may feel guilty after acting against the character of God and realize our falleness - but the ring soon calls out to us again. It haunts us until we think that whatever is on the other side is worth a peek. This is especially true with addictions and behavioral vices: alchohol, sex, food, abuse, pornography, drugs, hate, etc.


We all have our own battles - you have yours and I have mine. But God has called us all to be Frodo's. He has given us the role of ring-bearers, traveling through treacherous and desolate lands until we reach the heart of Mordor. It is a land deep within the enemy's territory where we must break the chains of sin. We all must throw the ring into Mount Doom.


I decided that I needed to be reminded everyday to do the right thing; to not turn to false idols and addictions. So I bought myself a ring and a simple beaded necklace. Ever since we watched those movies, I have worn it around my neck as a symbol that I will not compromise my beliefs and my purity. Jesus said, "Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:27) I must carry my cross until the day of final redemption, when Jesus will throw the ring into Mount Doom, and I will sin no more.

Until then I am on this journey. But I can't go it alone - I need a Sam. You remember him? Throughout the story Frodo has a co-adventurer who is his closest friend and a rock when he needs one. Frodo couldn't do it without Sam; many times he almost fell into the rings temptation but Sam was there to grab him and focus him on his mission: destroy the ring.

We are all on this journey. And we all need a Sam.