GPS

02/16/11   GPS – God’s Perfect System

Oh, what a culture we have become.  It seems we can barely go across the street without using those little GPS devices.  These little boxes can determine our position and if you have programmed an address, it will give you directions on how to reach your destination.

You would think people would find it contrary to our nature to follow those little things so obediently.  Wherever it tells us to go, we go.  When it tells us to turn, we turn.  Even when it seems to be sending us in the wrong direction, we listen and obey.

Sometimes, we don’t follow the advice that is given to us and the GPS will recalculate the steps needed to reach our destination.  It never seems to get angry with me that I can’t follow the instructions given.  It just recalculates and gives me the new instructions.  Sometimes, it means a U-turn to get back on the right road.

Wouldn't it be great if we had a spiritual GPS system that would do the same thing for us spiritually- help us get from where we are where we want to be spiritually?   I believe we do have such a thing and we come with it already pre-programmed with our final destination.  Christianity also has a GPS – it’s God’s Perfect System – the Bible.  Think of the Bible as a roadmap that will show us our current position in our relationship to God and man and it tells us what steps we need to take in order to get where we really want to go.  Like using those little boxes, sometimes, it means a U-turn.  That’s literally what repent means… to turn around and go in the opposite direction.

Sometimes we follow God’s GPS… sometimes we don’t.  Many times we think we know the better way to get there only to find ourselves on another dead-end street and so we have re-evaluate our priorities, re-think what is really important, and remember where it is we want to ultimately go.

And God doesn’t get mad when I have trouble following the instructions.  He patiently reminds us that He knows the best way to get us there.  Jesus boldly claimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6) That statement describes both a trustworthy map and an unfailing power source, all in one.

Jesus repeatedly gave the invitation to "Follow me." Unlike a religious system that tells you what to do, what turns to make, Jesus invites us to join him on a journey that will end in his Father's house.  While being lost on a road trip is no fun, being lost in life and eternity is tragic.