“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
—Ayn Rand

We live in a passive society. Certainly many people speak up and act courageously each day. But how many people you know are actively pursuing good things? It seems rare, doesn’t it?

Perhaps our society is not so much passive as we are non-confrontational. Isn’t that part of the whole allure of gossip? To say slanderous and even scandalous things about others. When confronted the gossiper usually minimizes their guilt, “Well … it’s true!” As if deflecting one’s sin to the ‘truth’ in the rumor will make one justified.

I am grateful for the people who have the courage to confront me, and the generosity to see me restored. We should all have people like that, who we give openness and authority to speak into our lives. We cannot afford to be surrounded by yes-men. Sometimes love must be confrontational.

There are at least two close friends in my life who know they have full permission to break my legs if I ever am unfaithful to my wife. We had them stand with us on our wedding day, and their pledge to us was no less serious than Kari and my covenant with one another. (I told these wise guys they would want to take a wooden bat to my kneecaps for good measure. They smiled, and I know they would do it. Sound extreme? That’s far less harmful than the ongoing pain our kids would have to endure if their father was unfaithful. Kneecaps can heal but sin destroys trust and true faith.)

The question isn’t who will let you do what you want to do. Who have you given permission to stop you?