I’m not only old; I’m “old school”. I am computer literate, but I don’t own a GPS or Smart Phone. When a wonderful family invited me to their rural home for Thanksgiving last year I looked up the address on MapQuest and printed directions. The directions involved a lot of turns and I was concerned about driving safely while navigating all of them correctly. Looking at the map I noticed that a highway I knew ran parallel with their street with Beecher Road connecting the two near their home. I got on that highway and kept a close watch for Beecher Road but I never saw it and I knew I had traveled too far. I turned around and stopped at a gas station. I asked a man pumping gas how to get to Beecher Road. He said, “I’m not from around here but let me check my app” as he pulled out his phone. He said, “It looks like Indiana Avenue becomes Beecher Road.” I had just crossed Indiana Avenue so I thanked him and arrived at my destination relieved although a little bit late. Why am I sharing this story with you? It illustrates what happens when we take control of life’s journey and try to get there our way. The enemy simply changes one road sign and we wind up lost even when we think we are in familiar territory.
My wife and I both grew up in Evansville, Indiana. About 25 years ago we decided to visit our hometown for the first time in many years. This time the street signs were very familiar but nothing else looked the same. We literally felt lost on streets that used to be so familiar. Then we would see a cemetery, park, school or hospital and we knew exactly where we were and began to feel more comfortable. Those landmarks helped us navigate through once familiar territory. Like our hometown, America’s culture and society have changed drastically in my lifetime. I still hear familiar terms like “values,” “beliefs,” “honor,” “love” and “freedom” but they don’t seem to represent the things I remember. Then while studying God’s word I find those eternal landmarks that help me navigate through this modern society.
I heard a joke recently about a man who bought a new refrigerator and put his old fridge in the front yard with a sign that said, “Free to a good home.” For three days no one took a second look at it. He thought they must think it is too good to be true so he changed the sign to “For sale $50”. That night someone stole it. Life in our society today is a lot like looking at the display in a store window with the price tags all out of place. Things of little lasting value are expensive and greatly sought after while the things that are of real value are discounted and seemingly of little worth.
Don’t trust the signs! Trust God, through His Holy Spirit, to be our GPS and tour guide. He will show us the best route to get us to our destination and point out important landmarks along the way. He will also teach us the true value of every piece of His creation including us and our relationships.