Orientated or Not?

On the same day, two men are sitting on logs in different National Forests contemplating their situations and options. Both were deposited at night by helicopter to places they have never been to or seen before and the challenge is to safely navigate to a given end point within a given set time. The prize will be 10 million dollars to the winner. As far as gear and supplies, both men are equipped exactly the same and both have a GPS (global positioning satellite receiver) which includes an onscreen map. The “safely navigate” phrase was included because both forests contain serious predator hot-spots (wolves and bears) and sections of treacherous terrain where historically, many experienced hikers have disappeared.

Man #1 has never been much of a fan of technology; in fact, he has learned through experience that many of the “newfangled” things are so confusing to learn that they mostly end up making him feel stupid. So he generally avoids new gadgets. His close friends feel the same way and he knows that they would mock him relentlessly if he used the GPS instead of depending on his own capable instincts. So in that mindset, his GPS unit stayed in the box unused after his first cursory inspection and when the hike started, he left it behind which lightened his pack a little.

Man #2 has generally has had an easier time with new technology although he, like Man 1, has often had difficulty in learning new things. But, he has strived to pressed on and learn what is needed to reap the benefits of new technology like his smart phone.  So, both men are physically in the same situation but only one is truly lost. The difference between them boils down to a willingness to learn and utilize new information or not.

This analogy is similar to the situation we humans find ourselves in. We were birthed into existence in totally unfamiliar territory and at least initially, we are totally dependent on others for not only basic sustenance, but also for the information necessary to orientate us about our true situations and life’s realities. As we mature, oftentimes we reflect on the question of whether or not life has purposes.

The views on this question are varied but in general terms, they boil down to just a few variations.

  • We are cosmic accidents and there is no purpose.
  • We are created and there is a purpose but our purpose is not knowable to us.
  • We are created and the purpose is knowable.

Along with these variations about purpose, there is something else, variations on how we view ourselves.

  • Some think (and act) like they are their own god, knowing better what to do in all situations, having great confidence in their own inflated wisdom. Personal mortality is not much of a consideration or concern.

    Others have the understanding that we are not gods, they know that they didn’t create themselves and that they have limited knowledge and abilities and recognize their own mortality.
  • Still others live mainly for the moment’s pleasures and are just waiting to see what happens next.

You may be thinking, so what does all this have to do with a GPS?

In this analogy, a person’s willingness to take the time and effort to learn how the GPS worked was the turning point between being hopelessly lost or being orientated and able to navigate (safely) through  the hostile and unfamiliar territory to the desired destination and great reward. The Bible (otherwise known as God’s Word) is our “GPS” for successfully navigating through life. For myself, through taking the time and effort to learn from the Bible, I am fully orientated as to the overall reason and purpose for my life. With its information, I have been able to enter into a personal relationship with my Creator and navigate successfully through life’s unfamiliar (and hostile) territory. I know who I am, where I am, and why I am here and, above all, I know where I will be after my last breath is exhaled. This gives me great peace even today when personal peace is in such short supply and I want that and the promise of eternal life for you as well. I encourage you dear reader to find a Bible, blow the dust off of it and learn. Here are some reading suggestions:

Read Isaiah 52:13-15 and Isaiah 53. Who is this talking about? It’s Jesus of course. Here God clearly lays out what His coming Suffering Servant will accomplish. Please understand that this was written at least 600 years before Jesus was born.

Now read a verse at the end of the Bible Revelation 21:1-7. This is the purpose of life’s end game, us living with our Creator as His sons and daughters in a completely re-mastered environment. “No more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” What’s not to like about that? Also see 1st Corinthians 2:9.

If you are searching for God, here is what is necessary so you can find Him, Deuteronomy 4:29.

This verse shows that our relationship with Jesus is personal, Matthew 7:21-23.

What it takes to enter into a relationship with Jesus. Romans 10:8-13.

May God draw (John 6:44) you to a relationship with Him through His precious Son, Jesus, amen.

If you want more information on the topic of salvation, Click Here.

Photo by Andrew Neel from Pexels

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