The author Bill George in his book True North states “it is how you understand yourself through your story that matters, not the facts of your life.”
At 75 I have lived a lot of stories with good and bad facts behind them. Each one has taught me something that can be used for the next story coming my way.
True North is your orienting point - your fixed point in a spinning world - that helps you stay on track as a leader. It is derived from your most deeply held beliefs, values, and the principles you lead by. It is your internal compass, unique to you, representing who you are at your deepest level.
Who do you run to when the world is spinning? I use to run to my own thoughts but learned they are up and down due to my emotions. At times I ran to my friends but they were as emotional as I was. The government say look to them for our true north which will really get your head spinning.
Yesterday I happened onto a site, https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-true-north.html, that said everything my heart wanted to say about who my true north is, Jesus Christ.
When we say that Jesus is our true north, we mean that He is the constant, unchanging source of truth and life. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The philosophies, theories, concepts, and schemes of mankind are constantly shifting. “But the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:15; cf. Isaiah 40:8).
When we say that Jesus is our true north, we acknowledge that we live in danger of being “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). In such a tempestuous world, we need to plot our course by the coordinates provided by the Lord Himself. We can avoid making shipwreck of our lives by “fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).
When we say that Jesus is our true north, we glorify the Lord who defines justice and righteousness. Moral standards that align with His nature will keep us on the correct course, just as a compass that aligns with true north keeps us moving in the right direction. “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 18:30).
When we follow Jesus as our true north, we must disregard the many distractions and influences in the world that would alter our course. Just as the readings of a compass may be corrupted due to nearby objects, so we are prone to be swayed by various attractions in the world. We must constantly calibrate ourselves to the example of our Risen Savior. Our spiritual needles must point to objective truth and not turn after subjective opinions, vacillating values, or erratic rules. We must be like the man who built his house on the rock, not the sand (Matthew 7:24–27).
True north is a precise direction, and, no matter where you start on the globe, true north will lead you to the same location. There is nothing erratic or misleading about true north. It transcends geography, locality, and lesser pulls. For those who are lost, true north is a welcome blessing. And Jesus Christ is an even greater blessing to those who are spiritually lost.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-true-north.html
Wow! This is such an edifying post! I loved reading these thoughts tonight. Thank you, dear sister! It's funny - I came here thinking I was coming to comment on your last post, and it brought up this one. I didn't even realize you had published a new post. God knew I needed this tonight. The thoughts you brought out are similar to some thoughts I wrote about and published earlier today. I appreciate you and your faithful life for God.
ReplyDeleteWe were on the same page dear blog friend. I appreciate you also for I know I am reading truth according to the Word of God when you share. Blessings
DeleteJesus, the true north, needs to be the only one who guides us in what's right and enduring truths and values. When we focus on Him, the distractions of the world cannot hold sway over us. Great reflection, Betty!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
You said it well Martha, when we focus on Him nothing, even the threat of war, famine, sickness can hold sway over us. I may distract us for moment but change our true north, never. The best part is He never sways from us either, not even for a moment.
ReplyDeletePraise God, Betty! Where would we be without Jesus? His steadfast love, constant companionship, and untold wisdom keep us strong and focused on what truly matters.
ReplyDeleteThere is an old song titles, Without Him that I sing a lot to myself. I love the words, the truth in them and the peace it gives me.
ReplyDeleteVs1) Without Him I could do nothing
Without Him I'd surely fail
Without Him I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail
(Chorus) Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today
Do not turn Him away
O Jesus, O Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be!
(Vs2) Without Him I could be dying
Without Him I'd be enslaved
Without Him life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, Thank God
I'm saved!
(Chorus) Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today
Do not turn Him away
O Jesus, O Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be!
love that quote from Bill George. Lots to ponder and pray about in your words too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love the title of your blog, Healthy Spiritualty, for without it being biblical based it a false religion. We I got first got saved we listen to anyone but learned quickly to match it up with the Bible. I was shocked to find how much was false that was out there. Thank God we went to a church that make the Bible and Jesus the major focus of all that went on. We learned about dispensation, learning the Word in context, and above all, praying for wisdom to discern the Word coming out of anyone mouth. Your blog title says it all. So much out there is just positive thinking, or you must do this and that to please God and leaving Jesus out of everything they say. Thank you for your blog.
ReplyDelete