Strong Compass

This is the time of contrasts at my house: autumn aromas (spiced pumpkin) vs. non-smells (unscented everything), seasonal colors (golden browns) vs. camouflage, falling leaves vs. tree recostruction (deer stands). Despite being worlds apart this time of year, we manage to co-exist!

Do you see contrasts in your spiritual life? Timothy writes of a “seared conscience,” which is a serious problem today. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). The King James’ translation reads, “consciences seared with a hot iron,” referring to that part of man which distinguishes good from bad, commends one and condemns another. Such consciences have been branded (cauterized) by sin. If over time we allow sin to reign in our lives, we all can lose our spiritual compass, rendering a conscience ineffective altogether. In contrast, however, a diligent and faithful pursuit of God will keep that spiritual compass healthy. Let us never forget, however, it is the work of The Spirit in our lives that makes us holy – never our own doing! It is God’s grace working in us to “let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (Romans 8:13). Back to the question: how do we recognize spiritual contrasts in our lives, and remain spiritually alert to Satan’s wiles? Stay in The Word and ask God to keep your spiritual compass strong!