As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
– 1 Peter 1:14-16
Reference points are not something we think about very often. Within certain recreation activities, such as hiking and backpacking, reference points can determine the difference between a successful journey or a dangerous situation. The orientation used in the backcountry, either by GPS or map and compass use this valuable and essential navigation tool of incorporating reference points. With the vastness of the wilderness, this makes sense.
But in our everyday life, we inadvertently use reference points much more than we realize. Without them, we quickly lose track of where we are, where we have come from and especially, where we are going. It is easy to relate reference points within a physical understanding. Towns, streets and landmarks help us keep a firm grasp on where we are while traveling. When giving others directions or describing where we are from, we often use physical structures to form a common understanding.
Our minds also create reference points that help us keep track of events in our life as well as planning for the future and setting goals. Sometimes those reference points are people, places, songs or even smells. Other times they are events we have experienced that have had a lasting impression. If you were alive during 9/11, you can with specificity remember where you were and what you were doing. When we see certain people or visit certain places we may be reminded of something we should be doing or get a reinforcement of why we set a goal in our life.
Most definitely, the Lord gives us many different reference points. The spiritual importance of these reference points help us gauge the health of our faith, our relationship with Christ and our current perspective.
The Bible in its infinite ability to speak to us causes even the most unlikely accounts to become reminders of where we have been as well as where we need to be going. Likewise, the conviction of the Holy Spirit causes our attention to be turned toward the Lord and He will always be the most important landmark in our life. When we wander in our faith, taking our eyes off the only true reference point, we easily become lost. The issue however is that like those who lose their being in the wilderness, instead of stopping and admitting we have lost our way, too often we just keep plodding in the wrong direction, aimlessly pushing ahead with no clear path.
Psalm 119:105 serves to help us understand the importance of allowing the Lord to lead us in a dark and dangerous world. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. It is the Word of God that we must rely upon to keep us from becoming lost. Unlike physical reference points or those that jog a memory, the Word is always available to us, no matter where we are, physically, emotionally or spiritually. The symbolism of God’s Word shining like a lamp and illuminating the path He has laid out for us brings comfort and confidence in that when we are determined to rely upon His Word, the Lord has not only gone before us, but has established our steps.
If you are feeling confused or lost, it’s time to refocus on the only reference point that is eternal. It’s time to apply God’s Word to each and every part of your life.
