What does it mean for Jesus to be your true north?

Answer

When someone declares, “Jesus is my ultimate guide,” they are showing reverence to Jesus as the constant in a world that is always changing, and as the true leader amidst shifting morals and fluctuating ideals.

The phrase ultimate guide is rooted in a reality that navigators and surveyors confront daily: a magnetic compass is not a completely reliable tool. A magnetic compass points towards the magnetic north pole, which differs from true north, or the geographic (or geodetic) north pole. The variance between magnetic north and true north is currently several hundred miles apart—yet it fluctuates, as the magnetic north pole shifts a few miles each year.

The earth generates a magnetic field. The points where the lines of magnetic induction intersect are known as the magnetic poles. The position of the magnetic north pole changes over time. In contrast, true north is a fixed point on the planet: the true north pole is situated at the intersection of the lines of longitude, the point where the earth’s axis emerges from the globe. Magnetic north changes its position annually; true north remains constant.

Since the needle of a magnetic compass points to the magnetic north pole, not the geographic north pole, it is not entirely precise. It can provide a general indication of north, particularly in mid-latitudes, but it can be highly unreliable in regions closer to the poles, varying by 20 to 60 degrees. The distinction between magnetic north and true north is known as declination, and it varies depending on one’s location on the globe. To adjust for declination and locate true north, one must perform certain mathematical calculations using an updated chart or calibrate their compass.

Further complicating matters is magnetic deviation, which occurs when nearby metallic objects or electrical equipment affect the compass needle. Deviation poses a particular challenge aboard ships and aircraft.Planes and in areas containing a lot of metal ore. Like declination, deviation must be overcome, usually by means of auxiliary magnets, in order to find true north.

When we say that Jesus is our true north, we mean that He is the constant, unchanging source of truth and life. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” «Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. », (Hebrews 13:8). The philosophies, theories, concepts, and schemes of mankind are constantly shifting. “But the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25; cf: Isaiah 40:8).

When we say that Jesus is our true north, we acknowledge that we live in danger of being “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” «that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; », (Ephesians 4:14). In such a tempestuous world, we need to plot our course by the coordinates provided by the Lord Himself. We can avoid making shipwreck of our lives by “fixing our eyes on Jesus” «looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. », (Hebrews 12:2).

When we say that Jesus is our true north, we glorify the Lord who defines justice and righteousness. Moral standards that align with His nature will keep us on the correct course, just as a compass that aligns with true north keeps us moLiving in the right direction. “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him” « As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him. », (Psalm 18:30).

When we follow Jesus as our true north, we must disregard the many distractions and influences in the world that would alter our course. Just as the readings of a compass may be corrupted due to nearby objects, so we are prone to be swayed by various attractions in the world. We must constantly calibrate ourselves to the example of our Risen Savior. Our spiritual needles must point to objective truth and not turn after subjective opinions, vacillating values, or erratic rules. We must be like the man who built his house on the rock, not the sand (Matthew 7:24-27).

True north is a precise direction, and, no matter where you start on the globe, true north will lead you to the same location. There is nothing erratic or misleading about true north. It transcends geography, locality, and lesser pulls. For those who are lost, true north is a welcome blessing. And Jesus Christ is an even greater blessing to those who are spiritually lost.

“True North,” a song by Twila Paris, sums up our need for Jesus as our guide:

“We lost our bearings,

Following our own mind

We left conviction behind . . .

How did we ever wander so far

And where do we go from here?

How will we know where it is?

“True North

There’s a strong steady light

That is guiding us home . . .

“We need an absolute

Compass now more

Than ever before.”

(1999, Ariose Music/Mountain Spring Music, admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)