Course correction

Sailing, flying, riding, or driving in open spaces allows one freedom to choose a path.

Even only a small change in direction can cause someone to arrive at a different place from their original plan, given enough time.

Life is like that for most, isn't it?

We each have choices to make.

"I'm going to start exercising," someone says.

That little decision could change their life's path significantly.

If they continue with it, after a few months or years, their physical health should improve.

As a spiritual person concerned with spiritual health, what course corrections could be made?

And what course corrections should be avoided?

For example, some of us may have started to become legalistic, that is, to require obedience above all else.

Others may have begun to steer toward an attitude of, "Hey, relax. Jesus loves you. He will forgive."

Don't both paths have truth in them?

OBEDIENCE

Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

And having been perfected, He [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:9

FORGIVENESS

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." Mark 2:5

Now when the Pharisee [a strict group of religious Jews] who had invited Him [Jesus] saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner." Luke 7:39

Therefore I [Jesus] say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.

Then He [Jesus] said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:47-48

Unfortunately, these biblical beliefs can be practiced in ways that twist the Scriptures to the followers' own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16

Instead of taking what ALL of the Bible says about a topic or a belief, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 a course path might be to pick and choose Scriptures that agree with what we already believe and do.

Rather than to let the Lord Jesus Christ through His word Matthew 24:35 and Holy Spirit wash and guide us into ALL truth, John 16:13; Ephesians 5:26-27; Titus 3:4-7 we may ignore Scriptures that contradict our beliefs and lifestyles.

If we head down this road, can we see how it could hurt us spiritually? 1 Timothy 1:19

There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25

Or we choose only the Bible verses that make us feel good, that is, scratch our ears, because we can't tolerate sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Usually, course corrections to get us back on the highway of holiness Isaiah 35:8 only need small turns of the wheel.

WORDS

We could start with what we say.

If that's a good place for you to begin, here are some Scriptures to help --

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need; words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:2

Nice words but hard to do ALL of the time.

Welcome to the spiritual life; it's a process. Mark 4:30-32

Our courses CAN be corrected and our paths CAN shine brighter and brighter. Proverbs 4:18

Why?

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

And to present you faultless

Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen.

Jude vs.24-25

Your thoughts?

R. Jason