God's Compass

"The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can't really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture."  - Elisabeth Elliot

A regular compass has what are called: Cardinal Directions. The ones most familiar to us are: North, South, East and West. Included between these points are the Primary InterCardinal directions which are divided into four equal divisions: Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest.  

This was a very useful instrument to have. If a traveler, explorer, soldier, etc., wanted to know whether they were headed in the right direction, one would simply pull out their trusty compass and verify their direction, for example.

Of course, now with GPS (Global Positioning System) embedded in our smartphones, and cars, etc., we are theoretically better equipped to find our way in most situations. But as, wonderful as this all sounds, it isn't fool-proof.

There have been instances of individuals veering off onto the wrong path, and even becoming lost and/or disoriented despite having this modern technology at their fingertips. How much of it is due to an equipment malfunction, or just plain human error, I honestly can't say.

Similarly, Christians may lose their direction, too. How you ask? We can succumb to the siren's song of worldly temptation. This shouldn't surprise anyone, after all, none of us is without sin or perfect. Getting swept up in the flow of daily life leaves us vulnerable, weak, and open to it. We need help in finding our way along this journey here.

Thankfully, by his awesome mercy and grace, God has provided each of us with a compass to follow. This helps to keep our lives on the right course, and if we need to, it can help to correct our direction. An added bonus it that His compass is 100% fool-proof!

"God's compass" has a different design. In place of the Cardinal Directions we have: God, Family, Work, Interests. The other Primary InterCardinal points may be filled-in according to your own preferences; but the main points are as above.

Naturally, just as the needle of a regular compass should always point to North, the needle of this compass should always point to God. If it points to anything other than God, something is wrong. God is the beginning and the end. Nothing else should come before, or first (Proverbs 3:6).

Sadly, many neglect to check their God's compass, or just stop using it altogether. This, of course, causes many problems to arise. Like the voyager of old, it's a good idea to get that compass out and check it every now and again.

You may have guessed what this compass is. God's compass is His Word; the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us about this compass:  "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (NASB).

Along the same lines, Romans 15:4 tells us that, "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." So, you see, we haven't been left clueless, or to face life without direction. God gave us this compass, His compass, to stay on course to Him.

Without His Word we are lost. We are like a feather in the ocean, carried off wherever the current takes us. We are like a rudder-less ship, or plane; out of control. We need God's guidance in our lives everyday, not just on occasion.

As Proverbs 15:21 iterates, " Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path" (HCSB). Make sure that needle still points to God. Check it as if your life depends on it. Because, you know what? It does!

Scripture: Psalm 32:8; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 25:4-5; Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 30:21

Prayer: Dear Lord, always keep me on Your path and in Your ways throughout the days of my life. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey