Do you check your alignment?

pharmacy

What does the septuagenarian mean by alignment? Does he mean physical or spiritual alignment? Relax and enjoy this edition of reflection.

My first employment was with Pfizer Products Ltd. (now Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) in 1964, as a medical representative, in Lagos. At the end of orientation and training, the new “med reps” were assigned Peugeot 403 for their territories. My first driver, Chika, was a young man with about five years of driving experience and he actually taught me to drive. I remember him for his counsel to always use the side mirror. He would repeatedly say, “Oga, ‘pimp', ‘pimp' before you move out.” (He meant ‘peep').

I also remember the second one, Anthony, for “alignment”. He was fond of talking about alignment and strongly believed that wheels must be properly aligned at all times. Sometimes, while driving, he would comment that the car tended to move towards one side, instead of straight, and that the problem was with the alignment. Each time we vulcanised a tyre or moved one or two tyres around, he insisted on alignment thereafter. Anytime he noticed an abrasion on any part of the tyre, he complained of alignment. He told me that poor alignment could damage the tyres and even cause accident on the highway.

Anthony talked so much about alignment that, after some time, I strategically took over the initiative from him. Anytime we were ready to go out I would ask, “Anthony, have you checked alignment?” After car service, I would ask, “Did you check alignment?” I thought and talked about alignment so much that it started having a deeper meaning to me.

I have realised that alignment should not only be applicable to wheels of cars.  It should also apply to my life and yours, as well. The question should be: Are you properly aligned to the purpose of God for your life?

You are out of alignment if you are not at the location God wants you to be or doing what God has not planned for you. You may be doing what God wants you to do but not at God's own time. You are out of alignment if you maintain a relationship that is not of God. All the so-called good works you do may amount to nothing in God's eyes, if your heart is far from Him.

Many wicked people flourish and prosper in the eyes of the world but are unfortunately not really in alignment with God's purpose for their lives. There are fake or counterfeit blessings given by Satan. Hidden beneath such blessings are grave sorrows. This is why you should not envy them or fret because they appear to be prospering.

Wicked people must receive the reward of their evil deeds. The Bible says, “For they shall be soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”  (Psalms 37:2). It further says, “For evil doers shall be cut off… For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.”

Wickedness is disobedience which takes you off divine alignment.  Alignment with God's will and purpose brings blessings, as you are guided in the right direction to do the right thing at the right time. The Holy Spirit becomes your teacher and counsellor.

Many a time, we come to a point where a decision is critical and we are tempted to consult others for advice and guidance, while we keep God away. This is dangerous. In fact, Prophet Jeremiah says people who do such are under a curse because they put their trust in mortals. I have learnt that the right thing to do in such situations is to present your challenge to God and wait for His revelation and guidance. If He tells you to meet Mr. X, do so, then Mr. X becomes a vessel He has chosen to use in that particular case.

Don't rush to Mr. X because he is influential or powerful. God does not depend on such strengths to achieve His purpose. Psalm 147:10-11 says, “He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man, the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.”

Sometimes your faith may be challenged by circumstances beyond your control and you begin to fear and doubt the effectiveness of your alignment. In such cases, your confidence and hope in God will give you joy and peace of mind.  Life is full of challenges and storms which affect everyone at one time or another. But the difference is your attitude, response and result of the storm. The storm will not have any adverse effect on you, if you are properly aligned.

One message of hope is offered by Prophet Isaiah in Chapter 43.  In verse 2 he says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Hebrews 13:5 also assures us that God will never leave or forsake us, especially in times of trouble.

Your access to divine help is guaranteed at all times, if you are aligned with God's will for your life. Just call on Him and He will quickly answer you. He knows your need even before you call. With Him around you, you should not fear what any man can do to you because He has the final decision in all things and the supreme authority over all things. Nothing happens without His approval. Just fear Him and you have nothing else to fear.

You need to take delight in the things that please God and He will satisfy your desires, which are in alignment with His will. Meditating on the Word of God and living accordingly will always provide wisdom to go through life successfully. The promises are that you will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season. As the leaves of such tree never wither, so will your life continually flourish; and whatsoever you do shall prosper (Psalm 1:1-3).