The Way of the MarksmenSample

Day 1: North and South:

Welcome to Day 1 of this journey toward a life aligned with God’s purpose! Today, we focus on the first two directions on the Marksmen Compass, beginning with our Truth North (putting God first) and South (denying ourselves). These two directions, when combined, create a foundation for a life of clarity, discipline, and purpose in Christ.

True North begins with the intentional decision to put God at the center of everything. Gideon’s story in Judges 6 exemplifies this principle. Before he could lead Israel to victory, God required him to tear down the idols in his father’s house. These idols represented misplaced trust and divided priorities. By obeying God, Gideon declared that God alone would guide his life.

In our lives, idols can take many forms—careers, hobbies, relationships, or even personal comfort. Anything that takes God’s place in our hearts becomes a barrier to truly following Him. Aligning with True North requires that we confront these distractions and replace them with a wholehearted devotion to God.

But putting God first also comes with the challenge of self-denial. Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Denying yourself doesn’t mean rejecting who you are but surrendering your will to God’s. It’s about choosing His plan over your preferences and trusting that His way leads to greater fulfillment.

The rich young ruler in Mark 10 struggled with this. He wanted to follow Jesus but couldn’t let go of his wealth. His possessions had become his identity, making surrender impossible. Yet Jesus lovingly reminds us that the cost of self-denial is nothing compared to the richness of life with Him.

True North and South are inseparable. To fix our eyes on Jesus, we must also let go of self-centeredness and distractions. Like Gideon and the rich young ruler, we face a choice: cling to what is temporary or step into the lasting purpose God has for us.

As you begin this journey, reflect on the areas of your life where God might be calling you to realign. Are there distractions or desires you need to surrender? Taking these steps will lead you toward a life of deeper faith, clarity, and purpose. Let today be the beginning of your transformation as God shapes you into the man He has called you to be.