A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the geographic "cardinal directions" or "points". Usually these directions are north, south, east, and west. This gives us a general idea of where we are going.
Everyone should know what a compass looks like. A round object with the letters N, S, E, and W signifying the directions. Today, with GPS and other technologies, the compass may be less known today.
Several years ago, I was writing in my journal when the thought of compasses and how they applied to the Christian life. More specifically, the directional points N, E, S, and W on the dial. That as our lives become more Christ-centered that our reactions would take us outward to different points. More like the ripples of water echoing outward in all directions from a central point.
Pondering this, I came up with four points to the Christian life (I am sure there are more). But, these resonated with me and tied out perfectly to a compass. Starting with that thought, I looked at what my compass would look like (and perhaps yours does too)
N is for Nurture. When we come into life in Christ, we have the beginnings of something bound to grow. For it to grow, it needs to be nurtured. Like a seed, our faith will also blossom with care. What things helps our faith to grow? Reading the Word, praying, and being involved with others in a small group are examples.
All of these are ways to develop deeper roots. Reading the Bible allows you to see and experience God's story for our lives. Praying gives us the opportunity to talk to and listen to God. To put out your cares and hear what God has to say to you. He has great plans for all of us. Being in a small group gives you a safe place to be yourself. Having others who have experienced what you are going through, praying for you, and even holding you accountable is a blessing for you to grow. Strength in numbers is good when you are feeling adrift in this world.
E is for Evangelism. Lots of people get nervous on the topic of evangelism. That they will get called to some far away missions trip (could happen) or be placed in a hostile, dangerous place (won't lie could happen too). But, evangelism is not something saved for places a half a world away. It is meant for your neighborhood, your work, and even your family. Wherever you go, you carry the message of Christ with you. That's a lot of places you will go in your lifetime. Don't have to be a fantastic speaker either (I'm not) Matter of fact, how one conducts themselves around others is even more effective at times than mere words. Better than a great sermon (though they are good as well). More people recognize me as being Christian by my walk more than my words. Plus, if you are carrying good news - what is your first instinct? To share it with others. Don't worry, God usually is good at giving you the right words and place to be.
W is for Worship. This is not just saved for the times when we set foot in a church. Nor is it just about singing hymns or reading psalms. Worship is a 24/7 proposition. By the way we talk, the way we act - our lives are all about worshipping God. Worship is praising God for all, that He is and His achievements, asking Him to meet our own and others' needs, learning about Him, telling others about Him, and obeying God. This is so much more than limiting it to worship music. Nothing wrong with singing praises but that's not what worship should be limited to. Each and every day should be an act of worship to God.
S is for Stewardship. It's not just about money, though we tend to limit it to that. We need to look at things from the perspective that God is the owner, and we are but managers. This means our finances, our work, this world, and ourselves are His. We are called to be good managers of the gifts that God has given us. In Ephesians, Paul portrays God as the master of a great household, wisely administering it through Paul (and as such us as His disciples).
Think about when you were taking care of something for someone else. You took probably even better care than you would your own stuff. Why? Because of the responsibility. We want to show that we are worthy of that trust put in us. I am more responsible when driving my parents' cars when I borrowed them than when I drove my own. Not as much speeding, being more obedient of traffic laws, and using the signals. Not that I am reckless, but I took less chances. Same as with God's stuff. Luckily for us, we do not have to do any of this by our own strength. His Holy Spirit, provides us with the means necessary. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Now, we do not have to do any of this to get better with God or attain salvation. I am saying these things are our reaction to what God does in our lives. The fruits we bear from the True Vine.
Nurture, Evangelism, Worship, Stewardship. The first letter of each spells news. Good news. The Gospel for our lives.
Everyone should know what a compass looks like. A round object with the letters N, S, E, and W signifying the directions. Today, with GPS and other technologies, the compass may be less known today.
Several years ago, I was writing in my journal when the thought of compasses and how they applied to the Christian life. More specifically, the directional points N, E, S, and W on the dial. That as our lives become more Christ-centered that our reactions would take us outward to different points. More like the ripples of water echoing outward in all directions from a central point.
Pondering this, I came up with four points to the Christian life (I am sure there are more). But, these resonated with me and tied out perfectly to a compass. Starting with that thought, I looked at what my compass would look like (and perhaps yours does too)
N is for Nurture. When we come into life in Christ, we have the beginnings of something bound to grow. For it to grow, it needs to be nurtured. Like a seed, our faith will also blossom with care. What things helps our faith to grow? Reading the Word, praying, and being involved with others in a small group are examples.
All of these are ways to develop deeper roots. Reading the Bible allows you to see and experience God's story for our lives. Praying gives us the opportunity to talk to and listen to God. To put out your cares and hear what God has to say to you. He has great plans for all of us. Being in a small group gives you a safe place to be yourself. Having others who have experienced what you are going through, praying for you, and even holding you accountable is a blessing for you to grow. Strength in numbers is good when you are feeling adrift in this world.
E is for Evangelism. Lots of people get nervous on the topic of evangelism. That they will get called to some far away missions trip (could happen) or be placed in a hostile, dangerous place (won't lie could happen too). But, evangelism is not something saved for places a half a world away. It is meant for your neighborhood, your work, and even your family. Wherever you go, you carry the message of Christ with you. That's a lot of places you will go in your lifetime. Don't have to be a fantastic speaker either (I'm not) Matter of fact, how one conducts themselves around others is even more effective at times than mere words. Better than a great sermon (though they are good as well). More people recognize me as being Christian by my walk more than my words. Plus, if you are carrying good news - what is your first instinct? To share it with others. Don't worry, God usually is good at giving you the right words and place to be.
W is for Worship. This is not just saved for the times when we set foot in a church. Nor is it just about singing hymns or reading psalms. Worship is a 24/7 proposition. By the way we talk, the way we act - our lives are all about worshipping God. Worship is praising God for all, that He is and His achievements, asking Him to meet our own and others' needs, learning about Him, telling others about Him, and obeying God. This is so much more than limiting it to worship music. Nothing wrong with singing praises but that's not what worship should be limited to. Each and every day should be an act of worship to God.
S is for Stewardship. It's not just about money, though we tend to limit it to that. We need to look at things from the perspective that God is the owner, and we are but managers. This means our finances, our work, this world, and ourselves are His. We are called to be good managers of the gifts that God has given us. In Ephesians, Paul portrays God as the master of a great household, wisely administering it through Paul (and as such us as His disciples).
Think about when you were taking care of something for someone else. You took probably even better care than you would your own stuff. Why? Because of the responsibility. We want to show that we are worthy of that trust put in us. I am more responsible when driving my parents' cars when I borrowed them than when I drove my own. Not as much speeding, being more obedient of traffic laws, and using the signals. Not that I am reckless, but I took less chances. Same as with God's stuff. Luckily for us, we do not have to do any of this by our own strength. His Holy Spirit, provides us with the means necessary. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Now, we do not have to do any of this to get better with God or attain salvation. I am saying these things are our reaction to what God does in our lives. The fruits we bear from the True Vine.
Nurture, Evangelism, Worship, Stewardship. The first letter of each spells news. Good news. The Gospel for our lives.
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