I believe God's Word encourages/commands us to remain faithful or stay the course. With the Bible being our map, we might have to do more than glance at it. Some of us should ask ourselves are we on the RIGHT course. Many times we say we are sincere in the direction we are headed. We know we can be sincerely wrong as well. Confession and repentance will change our mind as well as our direction.
If you and I are guided by emotions or culture's behavior, we will soon discover, we have slowly gone off course. The Word of God, prayer and depending on empowerment from His Holy Spirit is what the true Christian will need in order to navigate the "seas of life."
Truth will lead us where we NEED to go. Truth is not what we always want to hear. Paul writes to Timothy that in the last days we'll desire to hear only what we want to hear, having our ears tickled.
It is no secret that this culture and it's paradigms are headed for the "rocks of life." The church in general, is joining the convoy as we veer off course away from God and his Truth.
We have been obsessed about painting the cruise ship, swabbing the deck (mopping?) Some are even down below sleeping in our bunks. We have lost sight of the mission and destination, content with floating aimlessly.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
We have been sent (rough waters and all) into all the world with the Gospel. We have chosen rather to dock in safe harbors on every street corner. We are singing the songs of the sailor while actually being land lovers. We have counted the cost and we're staying in safe waters. Ships are safer there but are built to handle the stormy seas.
Then there is joy and rest from a job well done.
We have been cruise ships alone for to long. We must also be rescue boats in the fog shouting "come aboard, come aboard!" We need all hands on deck and full speed ahead.
Let's get the map out and read it. In these uncertain waters, we have to get back to the truth and stay the course!
