Our True North
“Our verse today serves as that compass in the good times and in the times when we have no idea what to do. Live according to the gospel of Christ, as conquerors in the faith of the gospel.”
“Whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the gospel of Christ. Then when I come to see you or hear good reports of you, I’ll know that you stand united in one Spirit and one passion- celebrating together as conquerors in the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27
Want to know something weird? I love compasses, the little magnetized things outdoorsy people use for pointing themselves in the right direction. It’s my nature to geek out over the mechanics of something, and the science behind them. But the real reason I’ve been fascinated by these little contraptions since I was small is the fact they’ll always guide me true. They can’t help it. It’s what they were designed to do.
I’m sure we’ve all heard or joked, “I wish motherhood came with an instruction manual!” (Now we’re hitting the teen years in our fam, I’d even settle for a set of personalized Ikea directions) For us followers of Jesus, we do have a guide book. One that never changes. Like a compass, it will keep us pointed in the right direction, no matter the decision at hand. Our verse today serves as that compass in the good times and in the times when we have no idea what to do.
Live according to the gospel of Christ, as conquerors in the faith of the gospel.
Philippians reminds us that our tried and true “north”, is to continue living like citizens of heaven no matter what, united in one spirit and passion, in our families and in our communities, contending together for the faith and sharing Christs message with our families in all we do. When the details make the way muddy, the path remains the same.
What’s going on in your own life that could do with being held up to our true north? It’s never too late to recalibrate and correct course. What places in your motherhood feel muddy or confusing? The Word reminds us in all our ways to acknowledge Jesus, and He will make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6) The promise is straight, not pretty, short, or tied up with a bow…just straight in the direction He has for us to go.
So, momma, think of Philippians 1 and no matter what, pray with and over your kids. Remind them you’re on the same Christ-led team, citizens of heaven. In all your decisions, in grace and love, contend for the faith and point your kids to Jesus. If we stick to these directions and apply them to every situation, Jesus will keep us pointing the right direction. We’re with you momma, praying for you as I pray for myself.
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Tuesday:
Let “Simple Kingdom” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt play as you take those four minutes to rest your soul today and sit in God’s presence. Remind your heart that you belong to the Kingdom of Heaven…that the One who rules it, who is in control of all things, is FOR you. He is always with you because it would be against His character to leave. He is faithful when we aren’t. He is kind when we are undeserving. He wants to lead you and guide you. Ask Him, like David did, to search your heart and show you this week, any way that your life or motherhood isn’t following His way. For the muddy parts of motherhood, where it’s hard to know the exact right answer, ask Him to remind you of the Truth of His Word, and apply it broadly, like Philippians 1, to every situation.
Wednesday:
Today, reach out to two women in your community and ask them to join you in prayer through the weekend that:
The Lord would help you live in light of the good news of Jesus’ grace-filled death and resurrection.
That He would lead you in how to remind your kids, no matter their age, that you are all brothers and sisters in Christ, citizens of God's kingdom, and how to live in light of that truth, showing it to each other and to those around you.
Go to God: Father, would You bring to mind the names of the women you have chosen to partner with me to be faithful in prayer this weekend? Prepare my heart to hear Your answers, because You will answer. I bless You for Your faithfulness and that You draw near. In Jesus beautiful name, Amen.
Written by Brooke, mom of 3
