<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Untitled Document What Direction Are You Going?
The Bible teaches us that there are only two possible paths to be on.
We need to be on the right path.

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.”
The Broad way is the way of the world.
The Narrow way is the way of God.

Getting There
While on earth there may be many paths to get to a certain destination,
It is not so when it comes to our spiritual destination of heaven.
The Bible teaches us about both paths and there is a very strong suggestion implied that you need to be on the right path because your soul depends upon it.

Common Sense Rule For Getting There
Before we can go anywhere, we must know:
Where the place is.
Where we are right now,
And what direction or path we need to follow.

Common Sense Rule For Getting There
Depending upon how much time you have, you can take various roads,
But if you are pressed for time, you need to take the most direct route.
Since the world may end at any moment, we had better be on the right path at that moment. (2 Peter 3:11)
We need to be on that right path right now.

GPS
One of the tools I use in my travels is a GPS device.
It is an amazing piece of technology. A sort of mini computer with one function in mind.
Global Positioning System.
Uses satellites to calculate your exact position on the earth.
When you tell it where you want to go, it calculates the fastest/ shortest routes to get you there.

GPS
When it comes to our spiritual journey, we need a GPS designed by God.
God’s Plan of Salvation.
We use this GPS to get on the right path.
Once upon that right track, we need to know how to stay on the right track.
God’s Perfect Standard.
The Bible, keeps us on the straight and narrow.

GPS
However, the GPS does not drive you there itself.
All it does is give you the direction you should go.
You make the choice of following or ignoring the instructions.
Most people live this way.

GPS
When you have programmed a destination into the GPS, as long as you stay on the route suggested, you will be fine.
If however you get on the wrong road or make an unexpected turn,
the GPS will implore you to turn around and will recalculate another course to get you back to your route as soon as possible.

GPS
The church is likened to the voice of the GPS unit.
If you get off course, it implores you to get back on course.
That is what we as Christians do for each other.
We cannot make you change course, but we can encourage you to get back on course if you want to go to heaven.

Common Sense
If you are on course, why would anyone want to get off this right pathway?
Why would you ignore the instructions?
You might think you can get there on your own, but you would be wrong.
And you would waste a lot of resources trying to get there by different means and routes.

GPS
People who ignore God’s instructions on how to get to heaven.
Usually follow another GPS device.
This is the device created by Satan and promoted and advertised in our world today.
This GPS stands for:
Greed
Pride
Selfishness

Greed, Pride, Selfishness
These three alone are the greatest hindrances to people being faithful to God.
These three drive all other sins that are listed in God’s holy word.
There is not a problem or sin that is not driven by one of these.

Greed
The desire for MORE:
Wealth
Possessions
Power
Fame
Pleasure

Greed
Another word used in the Bible to describe this sin is: Covetousness
Jesus included this in Mark 7:20-23 “And He was saying, ‘that which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man”.

Greed
Colossians 3:5 “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.”
Idolatry is anything that takes our adoration and focus off of God.
Men worship idols, when they should worship God.
When a person has greed, God takes any position other than first place.

Pride
1 Peter 5:5 “you younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble”.
James 4:6 “But He gives a greater grace, Therefore it says, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Quotation from several passages of the O.T.

Selfishness
Notice the middle letter in S I N
I the same as me and myself.
There is not a sin that does not involve selfishness.
Even if we do not intend to sin, our wants and desires are not always under control as they should be, and thus we do what we want to do.

Selfishness
Philippians 2:3-4 “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others”.
Selfishness breeds pride and greed.
These three are the foundation of all sin.

Conclusion
Our path to the straight and narrow is charted out for us.
God has told us how to get there, and is constantly helping us to recalculate our direction when we get off course.
His church and His bible are the tools to get us and keep us on the right track.
What path are you on right now?

By Carey Scott

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