Wednesday, April 13, 2016

The Master Compass

For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1John 5:3-5

We humans have this dangerous yearning for independence within us. No matter our personality, we all seem to veer off onto our own path, determined to go our own way in life. And no matter how hard we try to be independent pioneers, we wind up following in someone else's footsteps in some way or another. We can fool ourselves into thinking otherwise, but our biggest choice in life is, "Who do I follow?" 

This world offers us a variety of ideas and paths, many of which proclaim to be "wise." But when tested, they prove to be mere traps, keeping us stuck in sin and misery. They are mere counterfeits of the truth, yet generation after generation we keep taking the bait. Bondage isn't anything new; it has been taking humans captive since Eve bit into the apple. And it doesn't seem that much has changed since then other than technology. 

When are we going to stop pursuing every way but God's? When will we be sick of the torment and run from it like the plague? Is it possible to endlessly seek God and only Him? My own heart yearns for Him and His direction but I also know how easily I veer off track. I'm like a toddler in a room with a hot stove, bath tub full of water, electrical outlets on every side and lots of things to stick into them. I am bound to do something really stupid, so I am ever thankful for the direction of God.

Scripture tells us that there is one way and one truth. Anything contradictory is a lie. We've got to pursue that endlessly even when our flesh fights tooth and nail. We may not always succeed but, because of the faith it takes to try and try again, there is a victory every time we go against anything in pursuit of God.  Of course, God has an abundance of grace. But He also gives us the gift of courage when we step out in obedience and faith to do what He wants, His way. Even better, He gives us the gifts of His Holy Spirit for guidance and spiritual survival skills. 

No comments:

Post a Comment