Lesson 356: "Spiritual Journey - Directions Included"
In 1492 Christopher Columbus set out for the Orient and ended up in the Caribbean. Some say Columbus set the pattern that men have continued; never stop and ask for directions. Not that Columbus had a service station to stop and pick up a map or ask for directions but Christians most assuredly have a spiritual map. Everyone should “stop, look and listen” for God’s directions lest we have veered off path of the way to life. “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality” (Pro. 12:28). “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers” (Pro. 22:28). “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths and where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16). “Yet my people have forgotten me. They burn incense to worthless idols which made them stumble in their ways and in the ancient paths” (Jer. 18:15). I am not paraphrasing here because as you see these Scripture references are from the Old Testament and I cannot say it better than God.
The Apostle Paul says it pretty well too when he teaches about the Christian hardships, the struggles against sin and God’s discipline. Paul’s advice is to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. In other words, get directions, buy a map, study God’s Word and stay on the right track. “Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet so that the lame may not be disabled but rather healed” (Heb. 12:1-13). Things may get tough and the path to eternal life may get rough but stay in prayer, ask God for strength to persevere and do not go back to the miserable principles of the world life. “Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again” (Gal. 4:8-9)? “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth” (Gal. 5:7)?
We know for sure who cuts in on our Christian living and that is Satan and his servants who masquerade as servants of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Their end will be what their actions deserve and we for sure do not want to join Satan and his servants where he is going (Rev. 20:10). Each Christian will also give an account of himself to God (Rom. 14:11, Ps. 62:12). We have the power in Christ to live lives that turn from sin and its effects. This does not mean we will be perfect because none can live on this earth totally without sin (Rom. 7:14-24) but it does mean that we no longer have to be enslaved by sin and we need not let sin master us (Rom. 6:14). The Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus know the way home and are standing ready to help you with prayers (Rom. 8:26-27 – The Spirit) and Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Rom. 8:34). These are two of the greatest sources of directions you will ever find! Use them!