LIVING IN THE CENTRE OF GOD'S PURPOSES

When I was a research scientist in CSIRO, I had to use many heavy machinery and sophisticated electronic devices. As a major part of my research involved taking accurate measurements, it was critical that I check my equipment and recalibrate it regularly. No matter how sophisticated the devices I used, the calibration eventually goes off. It would be negligent of me, as a thorough research scientist, not to ensure that my instruments were accurate. Because if my instrument were not accurate, I would be working with incorrectly measured data and this can significantly affect my research conclusions.

The same thing often happens in our lives. We need to ensure we recalibrate ourselves on some regular basis. We need to check that our perspectives, our emotional state, our passions and goals in life are properly attuned to God’s. Otherwise, we may well be living in one of 3 situations...

• First, we may not even be aware how far our lives are out of tune with God. This is dangerous because ignorance can lead to greatly unexpected results. Some imagine that they will be right before God, perhaps to discover too late that they were not pleasing to God.

• Secondly, we may once be attuned to God but we have been steering increasingly off-centre for some time. Because the mis-steer may be small, we may not realise it. But eventually, the off-balance will get larger and larger if we do not re-focus ourselves. The sad thing is, some disciples are shocked to discover how far they wonder away from God’s will, only after some major calamity.

Jimmy Bakker was a very successful tele-evangelist and his TV show reaps in millions of dollars from donors. But he got caught up in the hyper-prosperity doctrine and amassed a great wealth for himself though some improper means. Eventually, he was caught and sentenced to jail. In 1996, he wrote a book entitled “I Was Wrong” where he renounced his past teachings on prosperity theology.

King Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of God (2 Chron 26:3-5). Yet after he became powerful, pride took hold of his heart and he began to be unfaithful to God. He even imagined that he could burn incense himself to God in the temple and God struck him with leprosy (2 Chron 26:16-20).

• Thirdly, we may be in the happy situation where we are in the centre of God’s purposes.

Regardless, of which 3 situations we may be in, it is important to continue to recalibrate ourselves.

What are some key steps to living in the centre of God's purpose?

Connect with God

There is nothing more important than connecting ourselves with God.

Not just the going to God in prayer with a prayer list. But a seeking of God to speak to us, to alert us of any off-centredness. A genuine soul searching, “God, am I ok? Are there things in my live that needs attention?” This is not meant to be navel gazing, but simply part of the process of self-awareness guided by God.

Psalms 139:23 - 24 (NIV) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Sometimes, our misalignment occurs simply because we are too exhausted or too stressed. Connecting to God and drawing from His strength is critical at such times. God can refresh us deep in our souls and spirit.

Check your alignment

When a car tends to steer to the left or to the right, rather than straight, it means a re-alignment of the wheels are needed. In the same way, we need to check every so often whether we are running true. We need to check whether our perspectives are still aligned with God’s. We should check against the Scriptures consistently with integrity and honesty. It is only by constantly reading and studying the Scriptures humbly that we can check whether our perspectives are aligned with God’s.

We need to be open to others that God brings into our lives and allow them to speak into our hearts. This will keep us on the straight and narrow.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Cast back to His promises

It is important to remember again the promises of God that God gave to us in the past. God is faithful and will not neglect His promises. Yet often God is waiting for us to respond with faith to His promises. Perhaps our recollection of His promises has gone dull or has become blunted over time.

We will do well to meditate again on His promises to us and let it stir in us faith and passion to see it come to pass.

Psalms 119:162 (NIV) 162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.

May you keep your hearts well calibrated before God!

Dr Wilson Lim
Hope Church, Brisbane

# Taken from Inside-Newsletter