Staying the Course

              Some years ago, as I was returning from a trip to Louisville, KY, I paid close attention so I wouldn’t miss the exit for Interstate 255 from Highway 64.  As the exit appeared, I became unsure of which direction to choose: Chicago or Memphis.  I chose Memphis.

Soon I questioned the wisdom of that choice.  Exits and places along the highway just did not seem familiar.  Then I thought I would look for the Arch, a landmark I could spot and get my bearings from.  When I saw that St. Louis masterpiece, I knew I was headed in the wrong direction.  A reversal of direction and I was headed home once again.

I’ve heard people speak of our Christian lives being like a journey.  Daily, we are faced with choices, those of little consequence and those that are life-changing.  Sometimes, we get confused and wonder if we have lost our way.  To what do we look to make sure we are on the narrow way of faith?  What stands above all else to right our course?

There are clear directives in the Bible to keep us on the Godly path.  In the New Testament, John the Baptist was sent to “make ready the way of the Lord” (Luke 1:3).  John called on people to repent of their sins and watch for the “One who is mightier than I” (Luke 1:7).  Then Jesus Himself said, “Come to Me . .  . take my yoke upon you and learn of Me” (Mathew 11:28).

Getting right and staying right require that we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:2).  His life, His words, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to instruct and empower us are the mainstays of a Christian life that stays on the right path.

             When Jesus called His disciples, He asked them to “Follow Me” (Mark 1:17).

 

  His directions remain the same.  Will we follow?