True North

My husband took me to see the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Monday night. We saw it in 3-D. It was awesome. I’m a real sucker for a good adventure.  In fact, I would have worn my best pirate costume to the movie, but my husband threatened to sit on the other side of the theater if I had.

Side note: For those of you wondering where a gal acquires a good pirate costume, it came from Party City!  

When I viewed the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, I was intrigued by Jack Sparrow’s compass. His campus didn’t point to a certain location. It pointed to Jack’s greatest desire! Jack Sparrow had many destinations to visit, but his compass wouldn’t lead him there. It only guides Jack to the place or thing he most wants. Therefore, If Jack truly wants to hit a less desired location, he has to make adjustments when reading is compass. In some ways, Jack’s compass is a lot like a compass you and I would purchase at the store or even those used by seaworthy ship captains.

If the captain of the ship doesn’t know the difference between True North and Magnetic North, he or she will get lost. The same is true for a hiker. Hiker’s traveling in Northern California have to make adjustments if they wish to arrive at their destination. Why? Because True North is constant, but Magnetic North tends to swift.

Did you know that a compass points to Magnetic North? Without this knowledge a person wouldn’t know to make the necessary adjustments and could get lost. That’s why maps are remade every five years—to keep up with the sift of Magnetic North. Still, a skilled sailor or hiker knows just how much to adjust in order to reach their desired location.    

The same is true in the life of a Christian. We can get off course if we don’t know what True North is. Before we know it, we can be drawn in another direction by Magnetic North and wind up in a place we never intended going.

To the Believer, True North is the bible. God’s Word directs our path. It leads us according to our true desire. Magnetic North is similar to the world. Following after the ways of the world will only misguide us. Since we are in this world but not of it, we have to make adjustments in order to stay on course. I’ve discovered that knowing God’s Word, hiding it my heart, is one of the best ways to recognize when I’m  being pulled off course by Magnetic North, or if you will, the world. Knowing God’s Word enables me to identify the falsehood and alternate my course.

For example: If I want to hit True North when it comes to parenting, I have to be careful not to follow the world’s philosophy on subject, but rather God’s Word. The same is true for my marriage, my friendships, and my ministry.

The good news is… should I get off course, I can always adjust by taking the necessary steps such as repenting, asking and giving forgiveness, etc… and regain my course. 

Where is your compass pointing today? Is it Magnetic North or True North? Are there adustments you need to make to get there? What are they?