I read a story recently about a plane that crashed into a mountain because the pilot, while on approach to an airport, unknowingly followed the wrong navigational beacon. The cockpit instruments told him his true position, but he kept flying off course for over a minute–until it was too late. Post crash analysis confirmed: the pilot had not noticed a one-degree-per-second turn to the right. The autopilot was dialed to the wrong navigational aid.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12
The story above brings to mind the error of the Pharisees and Sadducees in the New Testament. They took God’s law and added their own rules to it. And just like the story of the pilot, following the wrong navigational beacon led to disaster.
For a fresh look at how this is still happening today, please read, Christian-Social identity or Spiritual reality? by Perth Girl.
Now, to my own story of getting off course from Christ. For most of my adult life I’ve struggled with social anxiety; last year, after suffering two panic attacks in as many weeks, I sought relief through mindfulness meditation.
Sitting quietly, one chooses a focal point–like the breath–and keeps coming back to it when distracted. The idea is to let your thoughts (good or bad) float by like clouds while you observe with curiosity. The result is like pushing a pause button on life, and it really helped with my anxiety.
I downloaded a couple of meditation apps, read some great books by mindfulness experts, and participated in live-streamed offerings. But the more I delved into mindfulness, which is rooted in Buddhism, the more I realized the navigational beacon of my teachers was Buddha, not Jesus Christ.
It dawned on me, I was taking a one-degree-per-second turn away from the Living God, inadvertently setting my auto pilot on the wrong flight path. Thankfully, I listened to the Holy Spirit and got back on course with Christ.
Jesus answered, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
I still meditate occasionally, but now I keep in mind where the true airport is!
For a different look at this same subject, please see my post, What Time is It?
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
10 responses to “Just a Little Off Course”
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. What happened is clear to me now, but at the time I didn’t realize I was straying off course. Thank God, He brought me back. Blessings.
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So true! Deviation from His will usually starts from little steps until we completely veer off course. Great read! 🙏
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You’re welcome. It was a gradual wake up for me, but by God’s grace I realized my error. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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I love this great analogy! There is a lesson for all who will adhere to it! Thank you sir!
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Thank you. It is easy to stray off course—if only a little—and it adds up over time. God Bless.
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Very insightful post this brother, your point regarding the small degree of variation is so true. Much of what the world offers us is close to truth but with small degrees off the True Way. God bless you David.
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You are most welcome. It was your original post that gave me the idea for this one.
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I like the point you make here, the small degree of deviation that we make may seem inconsequential at the start but over time takes you away from your path and destination. We have to always reflect and ensure that we are on course and that the enemy is not steering us off course gradually.
Thankyou for sharing this and for the mention and link to my post.
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Thank you for reading and commenting. It’s amazing how God helps us make adjustments—if we listen. I’m still trying!
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Thanks for this inspiring read. Needed it today. Been so off course so many times , crashed many times because I choose to fly alone & not God lead the way. So I will try to start again with God as the main pilot , and I the co-pilot.
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