GOOD DIRECTIONS

Modern technology has worked to make traveling by car both safer and easier. Remember the days when the only option available to lost drivers was to stop and ask for directions (Something a male driver would do reluctantly and only out of sheer desperation)? Now you can program your Auto GPS so that it might give to you audible and detailed directions to your ultimate destination. In large cities radio and television both give updates regarding traffic situations so that you can avoid traffic jams or hazards.

Traveling through life has its hazards too. Obstacles, breakdowns, and detours are all a part of the journey. The days in which we live are filled with perils. 2 Timothy 3:1, "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come." We live in a day in which "everyone (does) what is right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The well traveled "broad path" is deceivingly attractive (Matt. 7:13). Apart from God's intervention we are all prone to follow that route (Prov. 14:12).

How are we to find our way? Paul counseled Timothy regarding the journey. "Continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of" he said (2 Tim. 3:14). He was speaking of the "sacred writings" (2 Tim. 3:15) which Timothy had first learned as a child and then later through the Apostle Paul Himself. The truth of God's Word is able "to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).

It is impossible to successfully find one's way through life apart from the truth that is found exclusively in God's Word. Despite this, warnings are frequently posted along the "broad path" regarding the Bible. One such warning was displayed recently in a Sacramento Public library where a painting depicted a large Bible with a label reading "Warning: May Impair Judgment." It is important to the enemy to keep "broad path" travelers on his route.

But through the ages the Scriptures have proven themselves to be the sole source of good judgment. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God's Word shows us the way, reproves us when we wander from it, corrects us that we might return to it, and works to keep us on it.

Distracted driving is dangerous. As travelers through life's journey we need to take care lest we be distracted--we need to pay attention to God's word. 2 Peter 1:18, "And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." This world is a dark place, so we need a spiritual lamp to guide us. God's word is that lamp (Psalm 119:105).

You can have an Auto GPS in your car, but it won't do any good if you don't turn it on or if you pay no attention to it. The Bible is profitable to us personally only inasmuch as we endeavor to hear it, read it, memorize it, meditate upon it, and obey it. Without it we can never hope to travel safely on the "narrow path" that leads to life. "It is," as the Gideon Bible flyleaf points out, "the traveler's map, the Pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass"..."read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy."

Pastor Jerry