On Track

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.  When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”   But they did not understand what he was saying to them.  (Luke 2:46-50) 
 
Have you ever gotten off track? Of course, you have! All of us have at one time or another. Jesus never did. Placed in the perfect family whose priorities were aligned with heaven, they took him to Jerusalem every year. In this last glimpse of His childhood, we see His priorities, even as a child. Think of it… a twelve-year-old boy was in a discussion with the teachers, listening to them and asking questions, and He was right at home doing so! He was right on track! 
 
What causes you to get off track in your spiritual development? There is a simple answer, other than personal sin at work. Even though personal sin will derail you very quickly, it is important to note that if you do not know what you are to do, you will quickly become directionless! Not so with Jesus. Read His words again, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” He knew who He was and what He had come to do; He wanted to spend as much time as possible in the very arena which should have acknowledged Him first. Do you know what your purpose is? Where are you headed? Are you in the correct place right now? 
 
If not, you don’t have to stay where you are any longer. You can begin again to be about the Father’s business for your life and destiny. If you are confused, dig into the Word of God and ask the Lord to give you a fresh hunger and thirst for His Word. Then, position yourself and your schedule to be where you can ask the questions you need to ask, and learn from the appointed teachers.  
 
If you are not in a Bible-believing, Jesus-honoring church, find one! If you are in one, dig in deeper. Do that, and you will grow, just like Jesus, in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. There is something very powerful about the individual who stays right on track! Be that person!