Map, Compass, or GPS?

My work takes me all over the streets of Baltimore.  I rely on maps and my GPS to navigate, tools created by people who have charted the territory and provide instructions, making it easier for those who come after to navigate.  

I pass many church buildings.  This city has no shortage of churches, structures that were once filled with people and thriving with activity.  Almost every pastor, church member and civic leader I speak with expresses the same challenge, in one way or another, it seems that the church is losing it's influence. Attendance is shrinking, congregations are aging, there are fewer young people, the neighborhood has changed and the people who attend the church no longer live nearby.  


Even in one year's time, I am seeing more and more church buildings with FOR SALE signs on them.  Some are even listed on Craigslist!  One listing read:

$350 on the Avenue in Hamden: Single offices, open work areas in amazing renovated historic church. Free use of conference foom. Utilities/cleaning included. Offices start at $350.  Ready right now!

What has happened?

Navigating the cultural landscape.   

When the current route is blocked we can let it stop us, or find a new route.  Sometimes new routes are temporary, like a detour, and sometimes they are permanent such as a new highway or bridge.  In either case, the solution is found by having enough perspective on the situation in order to discover the options.

Maps, Compass or GPS?

When it comes to God's work, only He has enough perspective to help us discover the solution.  It seems that the maps we've been using are not working in the same way. However, the writer of Hebrews calls us to remember:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  HEBREWS 13:8

Our maps may fail us, but when we use the Lord as our compass, He always points us to true north!  GPS (Global Positioning System) technology uses a system of triangulation from satellites way up in the atmosphere to help us re-route and navigate another way.  

Our Creator, the Lord himself is our GPS (God's Positioning System)!  His system of triangulation that helps us navigate the world is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!  

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  HEBREWS 12:2-3

Mission, Jesus style belongs to the LORD and comes only from Him.  It comes to us by His Grace, through His Word, which we receive in Faith.   We cannot shortcut that, otherwise we end up creating merely temporary detours.  Knowing that we are covered by His Grace, we receive direction through His Word, as we take steps in Faith.  Jesus is the perfect example to follow:


For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  JOHN 6:38-40

So...turn on your GPS and let God do the navigating!