Sermon On The Instruments Of Navigation

Saint Augustine of Hippo, a theologian and philosopher of Berber origin once remarked: “Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.” Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Instruments of navigation are deemed as guidance tools in the process of travel through life. They come in many forms such as charts and drafting utensils, direct measurement aids, and position-finding instruments. They are considered an essential tool of the trade for nautical or aviation plotting, but can also be used for recreational purposes such as hiking, mountaineering etc. If the correct coordinates are known, they are the ideal companion to guide one to a preordained destination. Often used on ships or aircraft to display the correct course that one should follow to reach a desired location, the compass is usually considered as one of the most important of all instruments in ascertaining the right pathway. It is defined as an instrument containing a magnetized pointer that indicates the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it. It can be in both digital or analog forms. It may fondly be considered by many, as a navigator’s best friend.

Pursuing a Godly life can also be deemed as correct navigation. The Bible could be considered a good friend and the ideal instrument and companion for the navigation in an individual’s course in life. Just like a compass informs of a new heading, one, if so desired, can change life to follow a suggested course to maintain consistency, or to realize that if any wrong change has occurred, a specific new direction needs to be undertaken to get back on to the right track. James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

It is a sad, but stark reality in today’s busy life schedule, that some never really have the time or inclination to take a step back, pause or review a personal lifestyle. It is like travel without any compass aid. Wondering about life can have many benefits, it can help us to see things in a different perspective. We are not only important individuals with something to offer the universe, we may have been given life for specific purposes by God. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Perhaps we are spending too much time working, and not enough at home with a growing family. The needs of others are an important factor in life. Just like the many instruments of navigation blend together for one common cause, so the same applies to family life. Deuteronomy 5:12-14 reminds us: “‘Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant, or your ox or your donkey or any of your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.”

Perhaps, some may suffer from an abundance of self-indulgence. Neglecting the needs of others for their own pleasures. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Compass direction is considered to primarily consist of four main, but different bearings. They primarily indicate the cardinal points of North, East, West, or South, but are usually subdivided into smaller segments that enhance clarification, such as North East, (NE) South West (SW), North, North East (NNE) etc. On modern-day compasses, these points may be shown in degrees. These determine a course in which something or someone is traveling. Navigational equipment aids progress, provides insight and enhances elements of safety. If we ignore the compass pointer that includes these cardinal rules and show the correct degree that we should be heading toward, but choose, instead, to seek a different way in life, then we may find ourselves lost, leaderless and with no specific goal in life. However, God’s direction is the assured path of happiness and accomplishment. It overcomes any remaining darkness or uncertainty and consistently guides toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Psalm 32:8 confirms: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Francis Scott Key, a former United States Attorney once remarked: “The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction, and will find His Word in his greatest darkness.”