Whose directions are you following?

This question should if we considered it in relation to the various parts of our lives be a very challenging statement to answer. Often we like to say we are following Jesus, but often we follow the ways and practices of the world. We follow the advice of those whose knowledge is founded in anti-Christian belief, and at times the advice and following action of an individual or even a congregation may be against Jesus himself. The wonderful and yet simple call by Jesus to some of his disciples was "Follow Me." Have we heard this call to become disciples – that is followers of the Messiah, the Saviour of the world?
Jesus Himself in the New Testament is described as the Cornerstone, and from and upon this ROCK the Church, the family of God is built. The direction of the Church must be consistent with the standard of Jesus. Where do we deviate and compromise? Where has the Church of God turned back to look at what it has accomplished behind it and moved its focus from the present directing of the Holy Spirit and become lost in its traditions and methods rather than the present experience of Jesus. He who with His Shepherd heart leads the Church after Him to green pastures. The Holy Spirit never leads the Church in a direction which is contrary to Jesus Christ, never against the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. If the Christ has not changed, how can the Church decide to change?
May be we must again consider our lives and what we do and think and align ourselves with Jesus, something which is a work of grace, that brings freedom from the condemnation of sin and guilt. Should God’s people be full of grace, as they have received so shall they do to others? Are we willing to be cast upon the rock and follow it in the direction it will take us, the obstacles in our paths we yet do not know, but will we change our direction when Jesus does not? Remember faith as little as a small seed can move mountains. Come close to Christ and you will see how He will be your rock of salvation in the reality of your life ; supporting you; uplifting you; showing grace and mercy to you; forgiving you; cleansing you; supplying you both materially and spiritually on the path that you tread out as you follow the Great Shepherd of your soul.
Matthew Armstrong
Blantyre, December 2009.