I was hunting. It was a beautiful late fall day and I knew right where I was. All I had to do was keep bearing south and I would soon emerge from surrounding timber. I found a recently used wallow. I stumbled across a tree stand that someone had staged. But, I was not clearing the woods as quickly as I suspected. Nevertheless, forward ho, we just keep walking, right?
I finally cleared that stand of trees. It took an hour and a half and I emerged far from my expected exit point. It seems I had lost my bearings. I was walking parallel to the edge of the trees instead of straight out of them. Well, I needed the exercise. No harm done – this time.
Over 4600 people a year get lost in the wilderness. Approximately 1600 are found injured and about 150 do not survive. What’s the point? Getting lost is a bad idea. Of course, getting lost is not the idea. Actually, discovering that you are lost generally comes as a surprise.
But if you like being lost, and you can’t get to the wilderness. Maybe Covid or gas money is holding you back. Here is how you lose your way in life.
2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NET) For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. 4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. 5 You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.
Don’t Use The Map
The problem with trails is that they run into the underbrush, game trails, and sometimes appear to end. A good map and the ability to read it are invaluable. So get rid of the map. That thing is rigid. And, you can’t understand it anyway. Right?
You see that is what we do when we abandon The Bible. When we lean into our own imagination about who God is or how the world is we throw away the map. The Bible works like a compass that always points to Jesus. It is a map that always guides us into what is right and best.
Many declare that science, history, and reason disprove the Bible. But, science doesn’t declare anything. Science is a method. Scientists are people who interpret that information. People interpret information based upon their knowledge and biases. As far as history goes, the Bible’s record of historical events continues to be proven accurate. And, when we take into account logic and reason. We again must admit that they are only as logical and reasonable as our information and biases.
So, reject the Bible. If you find some other source for understanding the world you’ll get lost in now time.
Keep Changing Directions
2 Timothy 4:4 (NET) And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.
If you would like to stay lost in the wilderness, go uphill for a while. Then, follow the river downhill or wander a new direction on a game trail. Just keep changing up the plan.
How does that look in life? Go to church this Sunday. Head to the bar next Saturday Night. Start trying to read through the Bible on Monday. But, get in an unhealthy relationship by Wednesday. Just be erratic. Keep changing your mind about your faith and don’t stick with anything.
Who knows what kind of trouble you will find? I don’t know the specifics, but the fact that you will awaken one day to the gravity of your situation is certain.
Christianity isn’t a crutch or a “feel good” proposition. It is a course determined by the example and command of Jesus. Many talk of knowing God but have no interest in doing the things He commands. In fact, just reading the word “commands” makes many people cringe.
A life of Faith changes your life because it changes your course. It changes your habits and practices. Our lives are not a product of our exceptional actions. Our lives are a product of our consistencies. If you want to “get lost” just be inconsistent in your pursuit of God and of what is right.
Believe What You Want, No Matter What The Trail Is Telling You
1 Timothy 6:3 (NET) If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness,
I’m sure things will turn out alright. Right? Nothing truly bad could happen to you. After all, everyone else gets to do what they want without consequence.
In the wilderness, thee lack of simple things can end your life. Clothing, water, decent shoes, or some kind of shelter are taken for granted now. In the wild, they are vital. Over 150 people in the US learn this the hard way each year.
In life, it’s far easier to believe something that is wrong. The verse printed above is from the heart of Paul. These words are what the Holy Spirit had revealed to him about the future. He saw “sound teaching” as the answer to a world filled with crazy.
What is “sound teaching”? Sound teaching is instruction and learning that produce a lifestyle. That lifestyle would agreed with sound teaching. In other words, Sound teaching caused a person to act in ways that resembled God’s behavior and character.
The problem with sound teaching is that it usually does not agree with our intentions. It is most often the opposite of what we want to do.
But, God knows best.
So if you like being lost, just ignore the Bible, Jesus’ teaching, and example. You’ll get so lost, only God can find you.
I know you don’t want to lose your way
The world gets darker and more confusing daily.
You need your Bible. You need to study it and let it lead you to Jesus.
You need a community of faith. People that you love no matter how much it costs.
You need prayer. You need to talk to and listen to God.
You need worship. We all must declare Jesus as Lord over as many moments of our lives as possible.
You need a mission. The world is full of darkness. You. We can be light.
Please think about these things. Do not allow the drama and chaos of our world to wrestle your faith from your hands.
Micheal