I was listening to the radio while driving to work. It was just about 8 am. Then the announcement of 8 o’clock came after five beeps. Suddenly, I was brought back in time to my stint in Navy. Every morning, without fail, we would patiently wait at the chart table for the 8 o’clock time check. Items that were laid out on the chart table were: the time log, stop watch, and chronometer. You are probably thinking, “Why does the Navy sacredly and religiously keep this “ritual” that seems meaningless, rather than keep an accurate watch. And why does one call it a chronometer?

A chronometer is a very accurate watch. To keep a very accurate watch, especially out in the open sea, is a very important matter. It may even be a life-and-death issue. The time is used for navigation and error for even a second will result in being lost and not knowing where one is and how to move on ahead. Now, you see how important it is!

The journey of life is a precarious one. It is important for us to “navigate” through it carefully in order that our lives would be one that pleases God. Otherwise, even with tremendously earthly achievements, it would be a wasted life. What really matters is not how big or beautiful a “ship” we are, it is getting there to the actual destination that is the real goal.

Therefore, we need to “calibrate” our lives daily with God through His word and prayer. There is no way that one can know God’s heart without studying the Bible (God talking to us) and prayer (we talking to God). Through God’s light illuminating us, we will be able to see our faults as they are. We can then make adjustments to correct them. We will be forgiven if we repent, but we must also “sin no more.”

Yes, it is difficult and laborious to do so. It is even dry and boring, just like the seaman having to synchronise the chronometer every morning. It is, however, absolutely necessary. We must never neglect it or dismiss it.

 

 

 

 

 

God bless!