Recently, I agreed to meet a buddy for lunch in Auburn, Alabama. This is only a thirty-minute drive from my hometown of Columbus, Georgia, so I left my office with just enough time to make it to our meeting. I was so excited to connect with a dear friend and spend some time encouraging one another.
He graciously texted me the address, and I simply clicked the link and began to follow the navigation from my maps application. It felt right, since I knew the general direction of Auburn. (Yes, even a Georgia Bulldogs fan will drive to Auburn, Alabama from time to time.)
When the map told me I had reached my destination, I immediately knew that the home on the dirt road was much different from the restaurant near “Toomer’s Corner”.
How did this happen? Was the address only partially correct? Was there a glitch in the software running the navigation? Regardless of the cause, the result was the same. I trusted the wrong directions and ended up in a place I never intended to be.
MISGUIDED FOLLOWERS
When we compare this familiar experience for modern-day drivers to the Bible, I reflect on the encounter Paul had with the disciples of John in Acts 19:1-7. Clearly, they were loyal to follow the teaching of John. They had even been baptized.
Out of ignorance, misinformation, or perhaps defiance, they were not following a path that leads to life and peace. Instead, they were following a man, and that would ultimately lead to eternal separation from God in Hell. These followers of John the Baptist claimed to follow the teachings of John, but if they sincerely did so, they would have recognized the voice in the wilderness that pointed to Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8).
MISPLACED TRUST
From their example, we must pause and be sure that we are putting our trust in Christ alone, and not in ourselves or a person. Often, we are persuaded by the voice of a preacher or the easy path of simply following the voice of our parents. We must trust in Christ alone and the power of the Spirit of God to guide our steps.
I urge you today to evaluate the object of your faith and the directions you are following. The navigating power of the Spirit and Scripture will clearly lead you away from following a man and toward following the Son of Man, Jesus Christ.
If you desire to follow Him today, check out this page on our website, and tell us of your desire to follow Jesus: https://calvaryga.com/its-all-about-jesus/