It’s summer time. Time to dig out the camping equipment and dust off the camper. During this process, I long for a summer adventure. Since I’m the navigator for this adventure, I sit at the kitchen table squinting at the map. “Oh, Lord, help me! You know I get lost even with a map.” Unfolding the map I mumble “What is my destination?”
I need a road – long of short, two lanes or four lanes, any road will do. Wrong! Only one road leads to my campsite. God also, has a destination for everyone. A narrow road with clearly marked signs. All are welcome but few know the way. Come! Let me help you plan your route to God’s destination.
At your first stop at “Sin City” carefully consider this instruction. “For all have sinned, all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3: 23 NLT) Does God mean “all” have sinned? I ask myself that question everyday. Especially, when I lie. Yes, I still tell “a little white lie”. In God’s book – there is no such thing as “a little white lie” – those lies we tell to get out of trouble. It is impossible for God to lie. (Hebrews 6: 18NLT) God also keeps His promises. Ouch! Did I catch you on that one? Come on! Don’t flee from this city. Just admit you tell lies and don’t keep your promises.
Instruction numbers two – listen carefully before entering “Pay Up Alley”. This is a rough town. Remember, those promises you didn’t keep and the lies – time for this: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6: 23 NLT) If you don’t accept the free gift of forgiveness for you lies, you take a detour to another destination. Do you want to detour to a hot, dry never ending place of frustrations? NO!
Almost there! I see the lights of “Declaration City”. Do you see them? Come on! Hurry up! Here is your final instruction: “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” (Romans 10: 9, 10 NLT) Do you believe? Tell someone. If not, don’t hesitate to ask for help about God’s map to heaven – God’s destination for everyone.
Read more articles by Patricia Charlton or search for articles on the same topic or others.
