Tuesday, March 8, 2022
You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Setting the Compass with God’s Word
My wife is a compass person. Although the navigation system displays all she needs to know about where she is headed, she still wants to see a compass. Unfortunately, her vehicle does not have one available without digging into the display.
Knowing the direction you are headed has been a need of all travelers for centuries. Some read the stars, some watched the sun and others relied on the moss on trees. The invention of the compass had to be a great asset for all travelers.
There are some things that are common to all magnetic compasses.
- The purpose of a compass is to show direction only.
- The compass needle is attracted by magnetic lines that converge to create "magnetic north." Therefore, a magnetic compass does not point to "true north."
- Compass readings are affected by the presence of iron and steel objects.
The magnetic compass has been used for navigation for hundreds of years. At one time, it was the only reliable means of direction-finding. Today sophisticated equipment is available that is more accurate in locating direction and bearings. However, such equipment has not made the compass obsolete. It is still a very practical tool. Even airplanes and ships equipped with more sophisticated equipment often carry compasses as backups.
We can draw some spiritual lessons from the compass. I would begin by having you see that God’s Word is the compass of our lives. From it we derive our destination, direction and determination. Now is the time we must be setting the compass to reach our destination.
Setting the Compass Gives Destination
The Bible teaches us that man must make a decision in regard to his eternal destination. Those who fail to set their direction wander to their death. Setting our compass to find the narrow way is vital to our finding heaven. Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14
That narrow way is the cross of Jesus Christ which is the doorway to eternity. Sadly, too many ignore the call of God’s Word to come to the cross for their salvation. They wander aimlessly headed to destruction. God’s compass has only one “true north” and that is Jesus.
Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life;
no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6
