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Topic: Directions (02/02/04)
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TITLE: Directed By Sarah Balk Bond 02/09/04 |
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These are directions, even commands, that are given every day. We seldom question them; we know if we go the opposite way, we will get into an accident. If we don’t yield, we will more than likely be hit by an oncoming vehicle. If we don’t slow down, we could receive a ticket. And if we don’t stop, we won’t see if there is anything coming that could harm us.
God gives directions too; Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not covet, and so on. We know, somewhere deep down, that if we do not stop we chance danger. If we do not yield to God, we can get hurt; if we will not listen, God will have to get our attention.
But sometimes, the signs don’t read as clearly as the ones on the road; we see the signs of our upcoming destination, but not the miles left. We have an idea of where we are to go, we just don’t know what interstate to take, or if to take an interstate at all. When God does reveal the destinations’ location and its meaning, it’s hard to know if we have what it takes to get there.
As a young woman, I struggle with the very word “direction”. It usually means that someone who has been there before me, is going to show me their carefully constructed map. They might even tell me what I must do, if I am to arrive where they are at.
Naturally, I usually resist the info. I understand road signs, yields and stops; why should I trust other’s mile markers, weather ideas and signs of what is to come? Besides, going the wrong way, has a lot of implications. It can refer to traffic, shaving, and sin. Needless to say, I have had a lot to learn.
One of the greatest directions I have ever received in my life, is to call sin, sin. So often, it is much more comfortable to refer to sin as, “affairs” instead of adultery, “overeating” instead of gluttony and even “kind truth” instead of lying. I was directed that when I called sin, sin, it could be forgiven. They were right. When we call sin what God calls it, He can cover it. When we call it by anything else, we not only cheat ourselves of forgiveness, but give ourselves over to a sense of hopelessness. I have also found this to obscure the road a bit, and have taken many a detour toward forgiveness.
Directions are guides for safe passage. They get us to where we need to go in the time we need to be there; they also help us to know where we are at. Maybe you struggle reading road signs. Maybe you know what to do, but you just aren’t sure. God is calling- that is the key direction. When we stay close to Him, we can follow His voice; He can show us enough light for the next step. When we don’t, we rob ourselves that seldom glance into the garden of Eden. We rob ourselves of the side by side direction of God.
God’s signs may read, Repent, Forsake, Convert or even Pray. They can also read, Love, Serve, Draw Near and Forgive. Directions are not the cruel reality that God has laid down the law. They are the beautiful realization that He still longs to keep us close to Him, that He still cares where we will end up.