The Bible is our compass

Research and reports are regularly being released at the moment confirming what we already anecdotally know; with the turmoil that COVID-19 is creating, young people are lacking direction, Adults and feeling lost and disconnected.  Words which are being used to describe the mental health of our nation include lost, alone, isolated, desolate, fearful, anxious, and angry … and often they don’t know why. 

There is a wonderful exchange in Alice in wonderland which I think captures the problem perfectly:
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” Asked Alice
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,” Alice added as an explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
This exchange is often summarised down to “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there”.  And I think this children's story captures the issue at the core of many of the presenting issues of our culture today:  We don’t know our (eternal) destination.

As Christians we know that we live for a purpose greater than ourselves and this purpose is set by our (eternal) destination.  Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14 that there are only two options with our eternal destination 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Once we know our eternal destination It’s not so hard to find the way; Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life (John 14:6).  So how do we find ourselves walking with Jesus?  Without descending into cliché, it is important to remind ourselves of the absolute essential nature of the Bible as a compass for life.  The Bible is the only legitimate source of direction for life 2 Tim. 3:16 teaches that the Bible is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.  In other words, God’s word gives us guidelines for living, instructions on building healthy relationships, direction for how to make the tough decisions in life, assurance in times of difficulty or doubt; the Bible brings comfort when we are hurting, certainty to our uncertainty and light into our darkness.  The Bible reveals the nature and character of God, and through it’s pages, God himself invites us into intimate relationship with him.

But even for the Christian spiritual drifting can be a real issue; without the direction of the Bible constantly correcting our course having a rudder or a steering wheel is useless, as we will go wherever the current of life directs.  So as disciples to be intentional in our direction we must read, reflect on and digest our Bible every day and use it's content as our compass.  As disciple-makers we must help others to develop a daily habit of Bible reading and devotion to build relationship with God, gain knowledge of his purpose and direction for their lives and intentionally guide them to set their direction to their eternal destination.

Grace & Peace

Jen