[316 words]
This is all I heard when I had Laura’s broken cell phone thinking I had just cured what was ailing it. Thankfully, though, I was made aware of the recurring problem.
How do we know when we’ve lost our ‘signal’ with God? When our relationship is not in-sync with His will? First things first, the Bible is the only life-map for everyone (2 Tim. 3:16-17), the directions are always the same even within varying times & cultures (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 4:17; Col. 1:5-6), and it has always been God’s intent for everyone to follow His route in order for us to be safe (1 Tim. 2:3-4). By way of reminder, it is practiced sin that removes us from a relationship with God (1 John 3:4, 5:17). Here are a just a couple ways to know when we are straying:
First, through our own conscience, that inner catalog we keep of right vs. wrong (1 Tim. 1:18-19; James 4:17). But our conscience must be shaped by God’s Word. Note Paul’s charge to Timothy (v.19) to keep faith AND a good conscience. Man’s conscience is not God’s good conscience unless we believe God’s Word. Paul further says some rejected God which caused them spiritually to be shipwrecked (God’s signal lost!).
Secondly, through the help of brethren. Matthew 18:15-17 is the gold standard in helping a brother or sister in sin. To the loving Christian wanting to help out a friend in trouble, it must be done first in private, which means social media is out of the question. Gentle, loving help (Gal. 6:1-2) is keeping it in- house and respecting Jesus’ instruction. To the brother or sister who is struggling, please understand the church loves you and wants you to come home where you belong…safe with God!
Jon Warnes
Rosenberg, TX