A prominent landmark gives stray travelers a sense of direction. However, in a world of ever-changing laws and moral standards, what assures believers that we are living His way?

Paul sought to help his "son in the faith" find his way through similar confusion. His familiar instruction was meant not only for Timothy, but for the whole church.

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (1 Timothy 3: 15–17 NLT)

Many people consider the Bible obsolete, going against the social norms, and even politically incorrect. However, God's way is always consistent with the message of the Bible. Have we gone soft on the Scriptures in the name of tolerance and being seeker-friendly? And, do I actually live by what the Bible spells out? Do I seek His truth and not my own preferences?

"It does not move."

For further consideration:

God warned us and promised us the following many years ago:

There is a way that seems right to people. But that way leads only to death. (Proverbs 16:25 ERV)

[The Lord said] "Joshua, you must be strong and brave! You must lead these people so they can take their land. I promised their fathers that I would give them this land. But you must also be strong and brave about another thing. You must be sure to obey the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, then you will be successful in everything you do. Always remember the things written in that book of law. Study that book day and night. Then you can be sure to obey the things that are written there. If you do this, then you will be wise and successful in everything you do. Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. So don’t be scared, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9)

Jesus also reinforced this same basic truth:

"Not every person that says that I am his Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people that will enter the kingdom of heaven are those people that do the things that my Father in heaven wants. On the last day many people will say to me, 'You are our Lord! We spoke for you. And for you we forced out demons and did many miracles.' Then I will tell those people clearly, 'Go away from me, you people that do wrong. I never knew you.'
"Every person that hears these things I say and obeys is like a wise man. The wise man built his house on rock. It rained hard and the water rose. The winds blew and hit that house. But the house did not fall, because the house was built on rock. But the person that hears the things I teach and does not obey those things is like a foolish man. The foolish man built his house on sand. It rained hard, the water rose, and the winds blew and hit that house. And the house fell with a loud noise." (Matthew 7:21-27)

The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth That Could Change Everything by Brian McLaren Unafraid of controversy or the uncomfortable gray areas of life, McLaren's quest is to find the essential message of Jesus' life - even if it overturns our conventional ideas, priorities, and practices.

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