Choosing the Right Well: A Metaphor for Spiritual Freedom
A young family with five children has recently moved to the countryside, acquiring a 10-acre plot of land. They have the option to choose from several wells, each offering water of the same depth, quality, and distance from their home. Despite the similarities, each well comes with different conditions.
The Five Wells
The First Well: A Well of Fear
Drinking from the first well instills a constant fear for the children’s safety. They might believe in the presence of monsters near it or suspect it to be haunted, causing anyone who uses this well to feel afraid.
The Second Well: The Pay-to-Play Well
The second well requires the family to pay a dollar every time they wish to use it. Accessing this water demands a financial transaction each time.
The Third Well: The Permission Well
To drink from the third well, the family must seek authorization from a figure known as the "well lord." This well involves getting permission on how to utilize the water.
The Fourth Well: The Conditioned Well
Access to the fourth well demands that the family looks presentable. They cannot fetch water in pajamas; they must groom themselves, dress modestly, and read from the Bible daily. Their adherence to these conditions dictates their ability to use the water.
The Fifth Well: A Well of Freedom
Finally, the fifth well offers water without any cost, fear, or demands on appearance or behavior. It is completely free for the family to use.
The Metaphor of Wells and Churches
These wells symbolize the choices available within various religious communities. Many churches may demand something in return for spiritual access, echoing the characteristics of the first four wells. However, the fifth well represents the essence of spiritual freedom found in a direct relationship with Jesus Christ.
The metaphor captures how some might approach religion:
- Fear (Well One): Certain denominations propagate fear by warning of damnation and the return of Jesus in a punitive manner.
- Financial Obligation (Well Two): Some churches operate on a pay-to-play model, mandating monetary contributions in exchange for membership and participation.
- Authority (Well Three): Other denominations require adherence to strict doctrines, seeking permission at every step in one’s spiritual journey.
- Worthiness (Well Four): Another group of churches may impose conditions based on appearance or actions, determining one’s worthiness to partake in spiritual benefits.
The Living Water
The narrative eventually centers on the fifth well, symbolizing Jesus as the true source of living water: a relationship marked by freedom and grace without any imposed price of fear, conformity, or external worthiness. Jesus offers the ultimate spiritual access that is free and available to all, reflecting a true and unburdened connection with the divine.
Access to the Living Water
What church you decide to visit or participate in, if you choose to do that, you need that relationship with the living water. It should come to you freely, allowing you to have access to it at any time, all the time, without fail, without price, without qualification, and without fear. That is what Christianity is.
Religion vs. Spiritual Relationship
The rest of it is called religion.
