Going Up?

Driving to and from Little Rock everyday for class has given my mind plenty of time to wander. As my mind has rambled with no definite purpose, several thoughts lay heavier than others. I will try to record some of these thoughts in somewhat of an organized way in which they may be applicable to our daily lives.

When driving anywhere it seems that we always look for the fastest/easiest way. I always enjoy looking for a shorter route; whether that means taking a different road, exit, or speed. Sometimes a destination that is farther than another can be made in equal time due to the different speed limitations and curvature of the roads. I began to think of the two directions that we as humans can choose in life. Not two paths, but two directions. One being Heaven and one being Hell; however, Hell has many more pathways that can be taken. Heaven being the right place, the right direction.

I refuse to believe that all people on earth are evil and selfish, only looking out for themselves. It is important that we strive to see the good in people no matter how difficult they seem. Although there are good people all over the world, I also feel that the earth we live on is much closer to Hell than to Heaven. Not just in a geographical sense, but think of the values and morals that are practiced here on earth. Lets say that Heaven is indeed much farther away from earth than Hell. When someone comes to the end of their life they either arrive at the right place or the wrong place at the same time. So how is it that one may arrive at either place in the same amount of time since they are not equal distances from the earth? This is because the right direction is much like the interstate. I can make a long trip much shorter by taking the interstate. For the most part my travel on the interstate is always quick and steady paced. Also their is only one path to choose from when traveling the right direction. If you do not take the pathway that Jesus Christ puts before us you will be lost very quickly. The pathways to Hell are many and unlike the right direction, these paths have no signs or speed limits to keep control over the roads. Getting lost becomes so much easier not only because there are so many turns and bumps, but because you are on your own. The right direction has many signs along the way and with the presence of Jesus' spirit we can hand over the wheel and be at peace and joy with the world around us.

I realize that this application does not pertain to many aspects of the road and that there is much more that could be spoken of as well. The next few thoughts may remain applicable to either direction that is chosen, but I would like to focus for now on the correct path. Once we have chosen the path we know to be correct, then what? Can we just let the spirit within us do all of the work and enjoy the ride? No. This is not possible since the spirit that dwells in us compels us to do so much more. With Jesus guiding and directing our path we know the next step to take. We know what to do, and while we are doing it, we know it is right. For the first time in my life, I have felt purpose in some of the decisions made. Every morning when I wake up and drive an hour just for a lecture, it feels right. Everything about it feels right, knowing I am driving in the right direction for a reason; with a purpose.

Every Christian has a purpose on the correct path. Sometime God may not make it aware until we are ready to accept it. In guiding us, God uses our talents to do his work. In Romans, Paul talks about the different roles that people may fulfill in the church, whether it be through prophesying, service, teaching, giving, leading, showing mercy, or exhorting. Not everyone plays the same role on this path, some people must preach while others are called to go out. We cannot just leave everyone sitting on the side of the road, they must be reached in one way or another and it is our responsibility while traveling on the correct path to do that by using whatever talents we have been given. If you have a gift, it is important that you use it. We must find the ways God has blessed us and exploit them in order to further his Kingdom; NOT to further ourselves, our team, our friends, or anything else. Losing site of the true goal is very easy when so many other opportunities are available to us. Some people are overwhelmed with options that may please themselves they can never make a decision, causing them to amount to nothing.

"This is a wonderful time to be alive. There have never been more possibilities and opportunities for you to achieve more of your goals than exist today. As perhaps never before in human history, you are actually drowning in options. In fact, three are so many good things that you can do, that your ability to decide among them may be the critical determinant of what you accomplish in life." - Brian Tracy

I received this through text message from good friend of mine, Rusty. Let us not be confused about what options to take. There is only one. One direction, one path. It is important that we are susceptible to what God has planned for us. We must prepare ourselves each day through studying and prayer. These thoughts help to encourage me to do these things, because each and everyday I fail in making the most of the opportunities given. I pray that my ability to decide from all the possibilities that the world provides is no longer an issue, knowing there is one path already set allowing me to accomplish everything in life. The path that all energy and talent should be focused towards: the correct one. I no longer seek the fastest and easiest way to class. I know that God provides the correct way each and everyday and if I will just go the speed limit and be prepared for what is ahead, my role will be fulfilled.