Editorial February 27, 1989 Issue

Staying on course

Ann Kenrick

It may seem hardly possible in this technological age to visualize a time when mariners had to steer their ships by the stars because the compass had not yet been invented. What vast horizons this invention opened up! Whatever the weather, in light or darkness, storm or calm, intrepid sailors could be sure of their direction. They set their compass, and they stayed on course.

Sometimes even commonplace lives can seem pretty insecure. We pass through storms, and we may feel we have lost our bearings and don't know how to steer a true course at all. We feel the need of a constant—something we can rely on.

The feeling isn't new. People have always looked for something to give them a sense of sure direction. Sometimes they've let themselves be directed by charismatic leaders. At other times, fashion and culture have exercised fascination over them. In the Bible, however, we read of a people who reached out beyond limited ways of thinking to seek direction from God. The people of Israel found and gradually accepted God as their great Lawgiver and guide. They developed a code of conduct—the Mosaic law—which called for obedience to God and a basic respect for others' rights.^{See Ex. 20:1–17 .}

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Staying on course

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access