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“"Immediately Head Back to the Starting Point"”

Thoughts for Today:

Let's say I invited you and a few friends to join me for an ocean cruise from the coast of California to the Islands of Hawaii. But if as we left the harbor, I began to thump the compass with my finger, it might cause you to ask, "Is there anything wrong?" And your concern would probably be elevated if I answered, "Don't worry about it, the compass is only off a few degrees. We'll be just fine."

We all know that a few degrees on a cruise from Dana Point to Catalina Island (a distance of 26 miles) wouldn't make that much of a difference. But on a thousand plus mile trip to Hawaii, it would cause us to miss the whole Hawaiian Island chain by hundreds of miles. Eventually we would run out of fuel and provisions -- become adrift in the middle of the ocean -- and we would perish. Not the place or the result we had intended.

Throughout this section Paul has been discussing the consequences of any form or amount of legalism. His point is that even a small amount will take us far off course and with potentially disastrous consequences. In our passage today, Paul expresses his confidence that we will see the problem in the same way that he does. So if we find ourselves caught in this type of situation (any form of legalism), what should we do? Immediately turn the boat around and head back to the starting point -- God's grace -- before it is too late!

Questions to Ponder:

Take a moment now and ask God to reveal to you in what areas you have become a little off course. We all need a course correction from time to time from the Lord. What adjustment do you need to make?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.