I have a GPS in my car and I use it every day even though I just go to and from my office. Strange? Maybe. But things sometimes happen between my home and work that cause the traffic to back up so I look for an alternate route. Sometimes after telling my GPS which route to avoid I end up on a road that is equally backed up so I have to block that road and find still another route.
But I am glad I have my GPS even with these uncertainties. It has helped me many times to be able to keep moving. I’d rather go out of my way a little if I can keep from sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. And I really do need my GPS since there are many possible routes to my office–some better than others. But they all work.
As I was on one of my alternate routes the other day, I got behind a car that had about 20 bumper stickers. One read “coexist” in symbols representing a bunch of different religions. I was able to identify Islam, Wicca, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity. I even think science was in there.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I think we should get along with everyone regardless of their beliefs. But based on the other bumper stickers on this car I’m of the opinion that people who display the “coexist” bumper sticker actually believe that all religions (including science?!) are equal. I think there are people who believe that if you just pick a religion and get real good at it, then you’ll be okay. If you do all the things “they” tell you to do, then you can get into heaven or paradise or nirvana or wherever it is you’re trying to get. And if you don’t like one religion, then just try another until you find one you do like.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) He didn’t say we could get directions to heaven by asking Mohammad or Buddha (both dead, I might add). He didn’t say we could consult the stars or wait for a spaceship to come by to pick us up. He said, “I am the way,” not a way. And because He loves us so much, God made it easy for us to follow His directions. He gave us Jesus to be our GPS. All we have to do is follow Him and He will get us to our destination. (I’m paraphrasing. I’d suggest reading John 3:16 and Romans 10:9 to see exactly what the Bible says.)
Yes, when things don’t go according to my plan on the highway, I like to change some of the parameters on my GPS. I like to try to improve my odds. But with my other GPS, with Jesus–God’s Plan for Salvation, I know enough to leave the settings exactly as He explains them in the manual. I’m sure if I try to find an alternate route I will be able to find one. But I know that every other route is a dead end in a lake of fire and at some point in time, there will be no turning around.
Thom Fishow
January 23, 2011
Good afternoon Thom – I just got around to reading your blog and throughly enjoyed it. Even though I’m the farthest thing from being a techie, I’ll definitely remember who my GPS is! As far as the GPS acronym, the thought that immediately entered my mind was “God Promises Salvation”! I hope you have blessed rest of the week:-)
Elaine