Which way is north? The last couple of weeks I have been amazed how easily we get sucked into believing that certain things are permissible and that they really don't matter because of "everyone else is doing it." Our moral compasses are broken, and are in desperate need of repair. The thing that concerns me the most is that the people that I am referring to are Bible believing Christians, who ultimately should know better. What has happened to doing the right thing? In the last two weeks I have been approached about borrowing some of my music so that it could be downloaded and then returned to me. I have been told to order a certain way at a restaurant so as to avoid paying for service that I would receive. I have been informed that Netflix is great because thanks to DVR's, it allows you to add 10-15 movies a month to your library for only fifteen dollars a month. I was told about how great it was that a friend of a friend was able to install cable for free and that as a result it would never have to be paid for. What concerns me is that all of these things should have set alarms off in the minds and hearts of these people that what they are, have and will probably do again is wrong.

We as Christians are called to live to a higher standard. If we are not living differently than the world, how will they know that we are Christians? And if they do know that we are Christians, what will happen to our influence on them toward the saving grace of Christ? Yes, we do live in the world but if we live like the world then the world looks at us and says who needs your worthless religion? The question that we need to ask ourselves is this: If I claim to be a Christian, am I doing all that I can to show others what it is that I have found in the saving grace of Christ; and if so how does that look in my day to day activities? Is what I say and do at work, school, church, hanging out with my friends on the weekend, or any other activity where I have contact in some way with others causing them to look at me and wonder what is really so special about Christianity, or do they look at me and wonder what it is that I have that sets me apart and how can they get it.

Earlier I used the illustration of a compass. In fact I asked you a simple question in the title this week. A compass is a vital piece of equipment if you are lost. Most hunters and outdoorsman that I know have and carry a compass of some sort so they can find their way home in case they go off path somewhere. A compass gives direction and guidance when we don't know which way to turn. As Christians our compass should be the Bible. But it is not only the Bible, it is also surrounding ourselves with wise men and women of God who will help keep us accountable to the decisions that we are making, it is a relationship with Christ and consistently spending time in his presence. If we fail to have a compass that is in working order in our lives I guarantee you that you will find yourself lost sooner or later. How do I know? I have had many conversations with students, adults and friends both young and old who at one point or another misplaced their compass, ended up lost and making what seemed to be innocent decisions that ultimately punched huge holes in their integrity.

Final Thought: I ask you this week, are the choices that you are making honoring to God or are you trying to use a broken compass to find your way. What is your integrity worth to you?