Vol. 8  No. 11, July 2011

Staying on Course

Shane Williams

If you were to venture out on the ocean very far, you need to know some important details to be successful your location, your  destination, and your course.  By referring to a map and  using a compass, you can end up where you want to go.

 The hard part comes in determining where you are at any given moment.  Difficulties can arise creating conditions that can be confusing for navigation.  Bad weather, strong wind, high waves, swift tides or limited visibility can throw one off course very easily.

How does a follower of Christ stay on course and avoid a spiritual shipwreck?  Paul wrote something of importance on this subject:  He said:  “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.  Some have rejected their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.”  (1 Tim. 1:18-20).

He places emphasis on holding on to “faith and a good conscience.” Rejecting these and not fighting the good fight will cause one to shipwreck their faith.

How can we be successful and stay on course?  We can do that by carefully reading and following the directions in God’s Word, conforming our will to the Will of God (Rom. 12:2).  “Faith comes by hearing the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

We know the destination we seek (heaven).  How are you doing?  Are you on course or in danger of shipwreck?  Determine right now to live in faith and holiness, staying on course until you are safely home.