Guidance systems v24n31

Guidance systems!

V24 n31

In this present world, there are many different things that people use for guidance systems in their lives, without ever giving much thought to them, even though they may use them every day, and in many instances not even aware that they are using or utilizing a guidance system.

If a person goes into the woods for a hike or to hunt, they will be apt to use a map, and possibly a compass for their guidance system, to assist them in arriving at their objective. If in the woods on a clear night, one could also use the stars (if they know the appropriate constellations for their hemisphere). However, one must remember that there is a basic knowledge required to utilize these things.

If one is traveling in a vehicle, they are apt to use a road map and road signs as a guidance system to get them to their proper destination, by the appropriate time. Again, if one is not able to read, they will have extreme difficulty utilizing the guidance system.

Even in something as simple as grocery shopping, one will use a shopping list, and the aisle marking system to efficiently guide them through the store.

In everything we do, there is a guidance system in place for a person to utilize, so that one is able to complete the task before them in a proper manner. Yet, how often is it that people will fail to use, or misuse a guidance system, and then wonder how and why they failed to come up with the prescribed or desired results?

In the spiritual realm there is a guidance system in place as well, with the end results being life or death, depending upon which guidance system one chooses to follow in and for their life.

Deut 30:19, I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (KJV)

Those shall have life that choose it: those that choose the favour of God and communion with him for their felicity, and prosecute their choice as they ought, shall have what they choose.

Those that come short of life and happiness must thank themselves; they would have had it if they had chosen it when it was put to their choice: but they die because they will die; that is, because they do not like the life promised upon the terms proposed. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)

There are two paths which a person has the choice to follow, and each has a guidance system for it.

There is the one guidance system that steers or guides people on the broad path which is heavily used and traveled, and leads one to eternal destruction.

Matthew 7: 13. "Go in by the narrow gate, for broad and roomy is the road that leads to destruction, and many are going in by it. (Williams NT).

[For wide is the gate, and broad is the way] And very broad, a place, a spacious roomy place, that leadeth forward, into THAT destruction, meaning eternal misery; intimating, that it is much more congenial, to the revengeful, covetous heart of fallen man, to take every advantage of another, and to enrich himself at his expense, rather than to walk according to the rule laid down before, by our blessed Lord, and that acting contrary to it is the way to everlasting misery. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

Then there is the strait and narrow path, which few choose to use, and it is lightly traveled, even though it leads to eternal life with God.

Matthew 7: 14. But narrow is the gate and hard is the road that leads to life, and few are they that find it. (Williams NT).

The way to the kingdom of God is made sufficiently manifest-- the completest assistance is promised in the way, and the greatest encouragement to persevere to the end is held out in the everlasting Gospel. But men are so wedded to their own passions, and so determined to follow the imaginations of their own hearts, that still it may be said: There are few who find the way to heaven; fewer yet who abide any time in it; fewer still who walk in it; and fewest of all who persevere unto the end. Nothing renders this way either narrow or difficult to any person but sin. Let all the world leave their sins, and all the world may walk abreast in this good way. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

So then, we can see that each and every person has a choice in which path they will follow, and also which guidance system they will then use to navigate the course of their path of life while here on this earth. God has given us His Word, to show us how to be guided down the path that leads to eternal life with Him; however, it also points out what happens when people choose to live contrary to Father’s counsel.

Peter tells us, as recorded by Luke, that there is only one name or guidance system that will enable a person to successfully follow the path that leads to Father’s house. There are no abbreviations, there are no short-cuts. There is but one guidance system, that is able to lead a person to eternal life.

Acts 4: 10. you and all the people of Israel must know that it is by the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead -- yes, I repeat it, it is by His authority that this man stands here before you well. 11. He is the stone that was thrown away by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12. There is no salvation by anyone else, for no one else in all the wide world has been appointed among men as our only medium by which to be saved." (Williams NT)

For a person to use any guidance system, they must have trust and confidence in that which they are using. If one ignores the manufactures instructions, will the guidance system that they are using, be able to give them the desired or stated results?

John 16:13 But when He has come - the Spirit of Truth - He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak as Himself originating what He says, but all that He hears He will speak, and He will make known the future to you. (Weymouth's New Testament)

When a person allows Jesus Christ into their life, it is then that through the ability of Christ within them, they are now able to be guided into all truth, for His Word is truth. One must have trust and confidence in the guidance system they are using. For Christians, this word is called faith. Faith is that ability of and for a person to hear the Message delivered by and through the Word of God, Christ; and then allowing this Message to be the guidance system for their life, and an actual way of life and living.

Just as in many new vehicles today, they put in a system that is called Onstar. This system is always able to show you where you are at, and how or why you may have to alter your directions to get to the prescribed place or destination.

For the Christian, they now have the Spirit of Christ living within them, this is their Onstar guidance system. Now, it is a matter of trust and confidence (faith) of whether or not you will believe the instructions given to you for each and every step of the journey towards the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Many people follow the crowd, and thus have no idea where they are going. Who will you allow to be your guidance system today?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka