Romans 14:8—If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
There is much agreement in the world as to the wisdom of having a mentor. But there is little talk of anyone having a master. Is this because the prevailing dogma has always been “I am the Captain of my own ship”? If I adhere to the notion that I know what is best for me, my compass is set to the course of my vision. Unfortunately this vision is sorely limited in at least two major ways. First, I don’t know what tomorrow holds. Therefore, the best plans I make may be thoroughly dashed by what happens in the future. Second, I am influenced by a competing team of advisors--both internally and externally.
¨ Petty Officer Greed contentiously opposes Petty Officer Generous.
¨ Admiral Pride thinks Admiral Humble is a weenie.
¨ Boatswain Mercy finds Boatswain Insensitive overly critical.
¨ Ensign Justice is offended by Ensign Lenient’s unwillingness to obey the rules.
Even in the safest of harbors barnacles accumulate. I cannot achieve peace in a vessel always at war.
A ship called Me set out to sea launched from a pier of dreams.
For water deep and vast unknowns to test her wooden beams.
With Captain Self perched at the wheel the rudder gives to waves
That only One Who sent His Son, can ever hope to brave.
Will this ship forever sink torn by great disaster?
It all depends on who’s in charge—the mortal or the Master.
Heaven witnesses the chaos of billions of skippers all trying to guide their crafts through turbulent waters. Those who insist on trusting manmade solutions, find themselves wrecked on reefs of sin. Some realize their hopelessness. They send out a desperate SOS. They receive an answer from the Lord of the Universe—SMS (Sent My Son). Jesus knows the way home! The prudent course of action is to schedule a permanent change of command. Every Captain Self must step aside for the One Who went where no others could go.
Immediately an amazing change takes place. When I give up my right to be in charge and agree to let the Lord lead I gain a Master:
¨ Who is my protector--He safely guides me through every storm.
¨ Who is discerning--He sees the hidden reefs of sin I’m oblivious to with their jagged rocks of harmful motives and false agendas.
¨ Who is powerful--no winds of adversity or ancient enemy can sink my ship when He commands.
¨ Who is accessible--He has an open-door policy. I can always go to Him for advice or help.
¨ Who is perfectly fair and just--when I make mistakes and bring them to His attention He doesn’t make me walk the plank. He forgives me, disciplines me according to His wise judgment and helps me set the rudder back on course.
¨ Who trains me--He harnesses His winds of providence to take me to places I would not choose to go that I might learn lessons He knows I will need for later journeys.
¨ Who is generous and kind—He gives me exactly what I need for life, lavishes His love upon me and makes the voyage one full of purpose and meaning.
Who is your Master?
Inspiration
