Direction

Many, many years ago my preschool age daughter and I were running an errand in the car when she asked me an interesting question, she asked, “how does the car know where we are going?” I asked her to explain her question and she went on to say, “Before the car turns those arrows light up.” She had never noticed that I was moving the switch that turned on the turn signal. We have laughed about that moment many times over the years and with any luck at all we will remember it for years to come.

That experience has often caused me think and maybe even ponder the question, how do I know where I am going? Life presents so many options on a daily basis and some how you and I navigate through those choices and get to the end of each day. The question is valid for each of us, what are the guiding principles for our life. Those who are Christ follower choose to follow in His steps. We strive to do things the way Jesus would to the best of our ability.

When asked about what is important in life Jesus said, “to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength” and then he said that the next most important thing is to “love you neighbor as yourself”. How do those commands influence your life direction? Think about that question for a moment….. In what way is your life different when you choose to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? In what way is your life different when you choose to love your neighbor in the same way you would like to be loved?

Do you spend more time in prayer and Bible study? Do you spend more time meditating on his word and his will for you life? Do you live your life in such a way that says to the Father, “I love you”? Do you go out of your way to show love and respect to your neighbor and others in your community? Do you look for opportunities to serve others? Do you look for opportunities to build up your fellow Christians and encourage them to follow Jesus more perfectly? Does loving God and loving your neighbor help you determine the direction of your life?

At some point someone in your life may stop and ask you why you live the way you live and why your life direction is pointed towards Jesus and the cross. At that moment you will have the opportunity to be a witness to the fact that the love of God and his Son compel you to live your life with purpose and direction.

You see my friend when you have stood at the foot of the cross and realized that it should have been you nailed to that tree – that changes everything. From that moment on your life is all about loving the One who gives you life. From that moment on finding direction for your life is simple, just keep your eyes on Jesus and He will lead you home.

Love God. Go Love Others.