The Map!

Long before there was Google maps and Yahoo maps and GPS, people were given driving directions in chapter form. Step-by-step or turn-by-turn instructions were given to guide people to their proper destination. This is the same method we find in scripture. In 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Peter 1:5. In these two passages we have step-by-step directions to our destination.

1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;6 and to knowledge, self‑control; and to self‑control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

This serves as our guidance system. Following this path will always lead us into closer fellowship with God and out of the troubles of this world. If we find ourselves lost in the woods of worldly drama, we can always find our way out by pursuing righteousness. Pursuing righteousness, will cause us to act in godly manner, which will strengthen our faith. The renewed vigor of our faith will result in more love which will provide us with the strength we need to endure with brotherly kindness until we see the salvation of the Lord.

Because it's not the surviving or enduring the trial that's key. One way or another, we will survive the trial. The truly important thing about a trial is HOW we endure it. Do we endure the trial like a child being spanked; kicking and screaming. Or do we endure the trial with dignity and faith. Suffering the blows with praises to our King. This is the way we honor God and grow up quickly in our faith.

It's very easy to lose sight of the ultimate objective in the midst of a trial, that's why it pays to memorize the instructions. We start at any point by pursuing righteousness, as we pursue righteousness, we find godliness. This godliness will build our faith and then it's off to the races! Once we get renewed in our faith, there's no stopping us. We will surely find ourselves at our destination.