I saw an interesting video recently of a sea turtle.  The short clip showed a happy event for a turtle that had been in rehab.  For some reason—injury or otherwise—the large creature had to be nursed back to health, after which it was taken to the seaside for release.  Surrounded by quite a gathering of onlookers in deep anticipation, the one hundred and twenty-five pound reptile was placed on the sand several feet from the edge of the water.   At first there did not seem to be much activity or interest in moving, but shortly things started to change as the creature inched slightly ahead.  In a bit it picked up a little momentum as it moved closer to the water’s edge, then it got close enough that the surf started to lap up on the huge shell.  Finally it was fully in the water and started to float until eventually only the top of the shell could be seen.  The video ended as the turtle swam and faded out of sight in the salty water.

Since I did not get the whole story, I do not know why the animal had to be removed from its natural habitat, but fortunately for the turtle, there were those interested enough to do what needed to be done so it could once again experience good health.  It was obvious that the turtle understood where it belonged; it did not turn away from the water, but moved toward it and seized the opportunity to freely swim away. 

After watching that event I was again reminded of how God’s people ought to desire to be near Him and move into His presence.  Yet I am also reminded that we allow so many other things to distract us and take our attention off of what really matters.  The Bible gives us plenty of reminders of how we should strive to move toward God, toward knowing Him more intimately, and toward serving Him more passionately. 

It is God’s desire and plan for all of His children to have spiritual direction.  We live in a world that is becoming increasingly misguided and headed in the wrong direction.  I travel a lot throughout the southwestern corner of our state visiting the sick and grieving.  I know the area relatively well, but it is very common for me to get assigned to addresses on roads and lanes that I have never heard of before.  Obviously, if I do not go in the right direction, no matter how determined I am to reach my destination, it will not work out.  Sadly, there are numerous people who are going in the wrong direction spiritually; without a change of direction only destruction lies ahead for them. 

The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:1 that “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (New International Version).  And in the following verse that directive is reinforced with these words:  “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”  The desire of our hearts must be to move toward Christ and the things that please Him.

When we move in the direction that God has instructed us to follow, we will reach the destination that He wants us to achieve.  We are promised in Colossians 3:4 that “When Christ, Who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”  What a great reason to diligently seek to move in the right direction!

That sea turtle moved in the right direction and reached his destination–the familiar waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  God’s direction for us is to trust and follow Christ so we can reach the destination of Heaven.  Are you moving in the right direction?