New Directions

Confession: I’m horrible with directions. And when I say that, I mean, horrible. Like, my-GPS-is-my-lifeline kind of horrible. There have been a few times when I have pulled over on the side of the road because my vision was blurred with actual tears welling up because I had, in a rush of ambition, tried to drive somewhere without using my GPS and ended up 30 minutes in the opposite direction of my destination. It’s a little ridiculous and embarrassing, but it’s a true story; I’m no stranger to disorientation.

 

Without realizing it, sometimes I get disoriented in other areas of life too. Amidst juggling all of the daily responsibilities and activities, my mind, thoughts, intentions, emotions, feelings, words, and actions begin moving in different directions. And all of a sudden, out of my heart flows self-serving, cluttered, and shallow thoughts, words, and actions. Rather than fully contributing in relationships with family, friends, and younger women, my heart and mind are being pulled in so many different directions.

” . . . the three core capacities of being an Ezer—inviting, nurturing, and partnering—are primary attributes of God’s character which He has woven into the DNA of His image-bearers.”

One of the core values and ideas of discipleship that we talk about in church is being Biblically Oriented. Being Biblically Oriented is essential to living out our calling as an Ezer because the three core capacities of being an Ezer—inviting, nurturing, and partnering—are primary attributes of God’s character which He has woven into the DNA of His image-bearers.

Merriam Webster defines “oriented” as: intellectually, emotionally, and functionally directed. Through the lens of this definition, being Biblically Oriented means bringing your mind, emotions, and actions under the direction of Scripture.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

Apart from Scripture, my thoughts, feelings, words, and actions often point back to myself. I am doing this or that. Look at me. A life that is self-oriented rather than Biblically Oriented will be checking boxes rather than bearing fruit.

But, when we allow the Bible to discern our heart’s intentions, it will bring clarity and redirect our thoughts to be God-centered rather than self-focused.

“Apart from Scripture, my thoughts, feelings, words, and actions often point back to myself.”

We might not have trouble sticking to our own moral compass, especially if we have grown up with strong moral values, but when we aren’t moving back to the Scriptures consistently, the needle of our moral compass points toward ourselves and that’s what we focus on, whereas all Scripture points back to God.

As women, we are easily drawn to looking toward Scripture for emotional and functional direction—to provide encouragement and practical application—but we don’t want to miss allowing our minds and intellect to be Biblically Oriented. Being Biblically Oriented means digging deep and studying the Word beyond just seeking immediate answers or sweet encouragement.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

“Being Biblically Oriented means digging deep and studying the Word beyond just seeking immediate answers or sweet encouragement.”

The beauty in this is that we are never just adding to a well of knowledge when we engage our minds in studying Scripture. It is living and active, God-breathed, and powerful. Led by its divine nature, allowing Scripture to orient our hearts, souls, and minds opens us up to learning about God and also to being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

What does your personal time in reading through Scripture look like? Do you tend to approach God’s Word primarily for intellectual, emotional, or functional direction? In what ways does rooting your life in God’s Word equip you to live out your core calling to be an Ezer?

Audrey Birchfield

Audrey is a Clemson student and big fan of warm weather, fall hikes, and anything sweet. You will most likely find her sipping on coffee, laughing off her awkward moments, and spending time with her family and friends. Audrey attends our Powdersville campus.