– Gospel Positioning System –
Sometimes we lose our bearing; unsure of where we are and which way to go. We may even press on to the best of our judgement and abilities, only to find that we have gone in circles or are even farther from our expected journey’s end. If only we had a GPS (Global Positioning System) to help us navigate the way to our desired destination! We wouldn’t get so disoriented and lost.
For those of us spiritually on the Way, it can be no different. As new followers of Jesus Christ we set our course for our final Destination, but we loose our way on the Way. We need to reestablish our bearings, and reset our direction from there. But as His disciples, we do have a GPS – Gospel Positioning System which re-establishes where we are, and which way to go.
What is that GPS? The following 4 Key Texts (Coordinates):
- John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Sometimes we get thinking we have “a better way to get there,” only to later realize we are way off! Rather than pressing in on the wrong trajectory, we need to stop, reevaluate, and recollect what we were told at the starting point of our venture.
- Jeremiah 6:16a
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
The Journey for the individual Disciple is not without a plethora of choices to be made. At each juncture is the question, “Which way is best?” Such is both the freedom and responsibility of choice. Still, we must decisively choose, and actively commit.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Once back on the right course, there still are those lingering, second thoughts, “This goes counter to my reasoning! Did I make the correct decision? Did I call it right? Am I just going to mess up again further on down the road?” Sometimes you just have to fly the plane, trusting in the instruments.
- Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
As we continue to follow, we often get tired! But why? Is it because we are trying to follow in our own strength and finesse? Is it because we are trying to carry a load we or others placed there? Is it because we still think our method of carrying is best? Who are we really trying to please in doing so? Each step on the Way is learning the gentle and humble heart of the One who not only calls us, but shows us, and is with us.
Christian, where is your GPS? How goes the Journey? Do you know where you are and where you are going?
—RWO/MAST
Comments by Ric Ochsner