Navigate Your LifeSample

Find True North

The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once remarked, 'The only constant is change.' He's also credited with the saying, 'You cannot step twice into the same stream.' Life was in perpetual flux even two and a half millennia ago. I wonder how the ancients would perceive our modern existence as we navigate the dizzying pace of the Information Age. In our day, novelty reigns supreme, and tomorrow's tactics swiftly become outdated.

This highlights the significance of having a reliable point of reference to navigate the constantly shifting terrain of our lives. Amidst all the changes, something steadfast and unwavering is essential. This brings us to our first principle of navigation: Find True North. If you can find North, every other direction comes into focus.

Before the advent of handheld GPS and smartphones, a map and compass were your tools of choice if you wanted to travel from one place to another. These analog tools could help you establish your cardinal bearings and location. The vertical lines on the map pointed toward True North, while your compass aligned itself with magnetic North. Whether you're lost, seeking direction, or want to know where you're headed, discovering True North ensures everything else falls into proper alignment.

Similar to navigating physical terrain, spiritual navigation relies on finding True North. Our souls require a reliable reference point—a standard by which all directions are judged. True North is found in none other than Jesus Christ.

Many will argue that this cannot be true, but arguing otherwise would be like claiming south, east, or west is actually north—it simply cannot be so. We do not have the power to choose; it is an established fact of the universe. Thankfully, we do not need to determine North; we need only to submit and align our lives accordingly. Everything else will then fall into place, and direction will follow.

Admittedly, this task is challenging for those of us who feel confident in navigating the universe on our own. Self-reliance may tempt us to disregard divine guidance and discard the map and compass, thus risking our own peril. Many of us have experienced shipwrecks in our lives, getting lost along the way and straying off course. Deep in our souls, we yearn for a benchmark, a guiding light, a source of ultimate truth. If we are honest and humble, we will acknowledge that our hearts are searching for positive consistency. This is what Jesus offers.

What should we do then? How do we align our lives with True North? Allow Jesus to be your unwavering source of direction. Submit to His guidance with a step of faith. When you surrender to the authority of Jesus, he will anchor your soul and help you navigate your life.