If you’re a hiker who depends on a trusted compass to find your way through the wilderness, it might be time to invest in a GPS device. Why? The earth’s magnetic field is changing. According to scientists, the magnetic poles are “sliding towards Siberia at 34 miles per year at a speed that has accelerated 36 percent over the past 10 years.” A compass, which relies on magnetic north, can no longer be trusted. The good news is that fluctuations in the magnetic field have occurred throughout history. Just get that Garmin and you’ll be fine!
It’s obvious that there has been some serious “sliding” in the way people view morality. We could definitely use a moral compass fixed on a true north. That’s what the writer of Hebrews presented to his readers in chapter 5. These fluctuating believers, likely from house churches in Rome, were “spiritually dull” and needed to be taught once again “the basic things about God’s Word” (Hebrews 5:11-12). The writer wanted them to step up their intake of “solid” Scripture so that they could “recognize the difference between right and wrong” (Hebrews 5:14).
God’s Word provides the unchanging instruction we need. It’s our moral compass to navigate life in a way that glorifies Him. Take a few moments and read through some of the Bible’s clear directions:
• Exodus 20:1-17: God’s great commands to obey.
• Mark 7:20-23: Jesus’ partial list of immoral things to avoid.
• Ephesians 4:17–5:21: Paul’s contrasting of morally right and wrong behaviors.
If we don’t take the time to feed on and consciously apply God’s truth to our lives, we’ll remain spiritually dull. The fixed point of our compass will simply move with the masses. Get God’s “Garmin” to find your way through the wilderness. Get into His Word to find true moral direction.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 7:1-24
More:
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to see how God’s Word prepares us to address the moral issues of life.
Next:
Why do some people feel they don’t need a moral compass? What’s one area in your life that needs the application of God’s moral instruction today?
mike on January 5, 2012 at 7:03 am
Tom,
Great reminder of what our guide needs to be.
So thankful that as Jesus cleaned my heart His word cleared my vision.
I love the thoughts of the Psalmist as he writes; Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Good Stuff!!
tom felten on January 5, 2012 at 9:04 am
Good thoughts, Mike. From the same Psalm that you quoted from, I love this gem: “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (Psalm 119:18).
pjp on January 5, 2012 at 11:00 am
tnx Tom, very practical and powerful. Many thanks, Glory to His name.
tom felten on January 5, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Pip, praise God for His Word. It is powerful and gives us the practical and profound wisdom we need (Joshua 1:8).
regina franklin on January 13, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Dear Tom–we often try to define our moral “slipping” as only a few degrees. But as any hiker (or pilot) can tell you, if we maintain our position just a few degrees off, we’ll eventually end up terribly off course.