The Power of a Compass: (Audio)
A compass is a remarkable tool. A child can make one with everyday material found at home. And I remember doing this in scouting back in the early 60’s! Of course, if you don’t know what the purpose of a compass is, then it matters little whether you can make one or not.
Pilots, ship captains, and global explorers make decisions that affect their life by what they see when they hold it in their hand and go where no one has gone before. It gives them a sense of direction, and perhaps it gives them the power to focus even when they cannot physically see their way. Of course, it may not tell of the obstacles before, but at least they understand it helps them mark a path to follow, whether day or night, pleasant weather or stormy, high above the earth or down in Death Valley.
If I understand anything about a compass, then this simple thought identifies its power:
A magnetic compass is attracted by forces we cannot see, but we can reveal their location with the direction of the needle.
Compass readings are not perfect. They are affected by the presence of iron and steel objects that will trick and hide the magnetic presence it was previously honed in on.
A rusty nail placed near a faithful compass, will sway it from the truth, and wreck the argosy. Click To Tweet
The magnetic compass has been used for navigation for hundreds of years. At times it is the only reliable means of direction-finding. If you cannot see the stars or sun, then you cannot use celestial navigation tools to find your path. But a compass will always work, even on a gloomy day or stormy night.
Today, sophisticated equipment is available that is more accurate in assisting us with direction and location. Global Positioning Satellites help everything that can read the signal, and triangulate to within a few feet of an exact location, even that brand new Dick Tracy watch you are wearing, or that smartphone, or anything else that uses GPS locations to map a path!
However, such equipment has not made the compass obsolete. It is still a very practical tool. Even airplanes and ships equipped with more sophisticated equipment often carry compasses as backups. Why? Electronic tools can fail and you still need a way to map your destination! Imagine having to go back to pencil and paper to calculate conversions between decimals and metric systems, or some other complex math.
Here’s my thought today. Some use the concept of a compass to indicate the direction of their own life. You know, they strike out on a particular path and know continually if they are headed in the correct direction because their compass is constantly referenced and adjustments are quickly made.
Remember, however, that a compass is not fail-proof. It can be swayed by other forces! This means you must keep the other forces out of the scope of your compass driven life or you may go off course!
I was listening to a daily podcast I like to spend 5 minutes on. The speaker made an observation how we are easily influenced by those things, and people, that we allow close to us. Without realizing it, we become like those we allow close. We are changed by their influence. Words, actions, and thoughts become directed by the influencer, that strong presence that can change who we were, and where we were going.
Now. There are good things about those that influence us, but if their strength of direction separates me from my prescribed path, then I have to make a choice. Where does my strength come from, and where does my allegiance lie? What is my path? What forces are at work to modify my direction? Is my direction and destination still vital, or can I be influenced down a new path?
The psalmist describes a time when his direction was almost lost because he focused on others around him who were seemingly successful. They seemed to be successful, even though they are described as prideful, violent and bulging with abundance. But their voice spoke against God and questioned his words. The psalmist feet nearly slipped into their path (Psalms 73:2) because he was envious of their successes. But then, he sort of comes to himself and realizes the divergence of their path from his path.
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. (Psalms 73:17 NKJV)
You see. He understood his compass direction! His focus was not to be like those others! He is now grieved that he could even have been tempted by their path.
Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. (Psalms 73:21-25 NKJV)
It’s almost like he awoke from his trance state and realized the error in the other path. His compass was still truly pointing him in a right direction, and he needed to know that is was still the best direction!
Question: What is the root source of your spiritual compass and where is it pointing you today? Are you still lined up to achieve that future goal that you set out to complete? It’s a good question to ponder, and consider!