Numbers 1-4
Always Facing God

Whenever I've been camping, I always find it natural to orient the tent toward something important-- usually the fire, a lake or other scenery.

As the book of Numbers begins, God gave various instructions to His people. In chapter 2, God tells the people how they are to arrange their tribes when they camped along the way to the promised land of Canaan. They were all to camp in certain assigned places, but they were all oriented around one thing: the tabernacle. At all times, their lives were centered around the presence of God. When they woke up in the morning and exited their tent, there was the tabernacle, with the pillar of cloud above it. When they went to bed at night, they could look over their shoulder before stepping in to rest and see the tabernacle glowing under the light of the pillar of fire. They were always facing God. As a people, they revolved around God.

In 2 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul compares our physical bodies to a tent. With that in mind, to what have you oriented your tent? Make no mistake: it will be oriented and facing what you feel to be important.

Some will face worldly pursuits. Some will face their occupation. Some will face leisurely activities. Some will face family.

If we are to learn a practical lesson from Numbers 2, it is this: we must always be oriented toward God. Our lives must be centered around Him and His will. I have met so many Christians over the years who have exemplified such an attitude.

They are always speaking of godly things. You aren't in a conversation with them very long before spiritual elements enter. They speak of helping others, visiting others, Bible studies, sermons, preachers, elders, people they admire, people for whom they are concerned.

They are always at worship services. Mind you, I understand there are times when people can't assemble, and God does not hold us accountable to do things we cannot do. But, there are some Christians I know that-if they are not with the saints at appointed times-you know something is really wrong with them. They are early to services because they take their time with the Lord and His people seriously. They go to gospel meetings because they want to hear the word of God preached over and over again.

Finally, I have noticed, they are always doing godly things. They are always calling or visiting someone in the hospital or one who needs encouragement somehow. They are preparing meals and writing cards. Their lives are selfless. They do these things not for the praise of men, but because of the One they have oriented their lives around. God is always before them. He is a reality they see every morning and throughout the day. So, to what is the tent of your life facing? To what have your oriented the camp of your family today?