In the days before GPS, we learned how to find our way around using a compass and a printed map.

When navigating this way, we could easily point out our origin and destination on the map, but finding our current position required a few extra steps. This was known as “getting our bearings”.

To do this, we needed at least two prominent, unmoving objects as reference points. With a few compass readings and drawn lines, we could pinpoint our location on the map. Only then could we decide on any necessary course corrections.

Awakened, aligned, assigned

This process of aligning ourselves – getting our bearings and making course corrections – is also relevant in our spiritual lives. 

I first learnt about this at an Aligning WeekEnd (AWE) in 2015 organised by Archippus Awakening (AA), where I was introduced to the Alignment Check Framework.

For those who may not know, Archippus Awakening is a ministry that carries a mandate based on Colossians 4:17 – to awaken Archippus, which represents every disciple of Christ, to fulfil his or her assignments in God’s Kingdom.

Its strategic process is captured in the three-word rallying cry:

• Awakened: This happens when the Holy Spirit makes a disciple aware of a certain truth or insight, usually concerning the things of God’s Kingdom.
• Aligned: It is our responsibility, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to adopt the ways and values of King Jesus and His Kingdom as our own.
• Assigned: Receiving a specific task to do that will reveal Christ to a certain group of people.

As I reflected on the Alignment Check Framework, I learnt three things about what it means to stay aligned to Christ.

1. Christ must be our unchanging reference point

To get our bearings in nature, we need a reference point that is consistent and unchanging. The same is true in spiritual matters. We need to align ourselves to Someone whose values and ways do not change.

Only Jesus fits that bill.

As a long-time churchgoing Christian and Pastor, it was easy to assume that I was using the correct reference point to govern my values, priorities and conduct. But during the Alignment Check, I realised that I had been using my own knowledge and preferences as my reference points in writing sermons, planning outreach and offering counsel to others.

Amid my efforts, I had forgotten about building my relationship with my Father. This realisation brought me back to reflecting on the cross, receiving my Father’s love again, and then responding in love through my obedience (John 14:15).

The Alignment Check also exposed another question I needed to ask myself: What – or Who – enables me to do what I do?

Subconsciously, I had come to rely on my intellect, education and experience to minister. This wasn’t wrong, except that I had crowded out the power of God to do the ministry He had assigned to me.

In AA, for example, we run programmes such as AWE every year. It is easy to rely on what we’ve already done to do the next one. But doing that means the onus is on us to “achieve” whatever desired outcome we want. It also means we get the credit for doing the work.

We often forget that throughout Scripture, God is the One who empowers His servants to accomplish what He assigns them to do – whether Gideon (Judges 6:34), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:2), the disciples (Acts 1:8) or Paul (Acts 9:17-20).

I’ll admit I still find myself relying on myself more than God. But at least now I know which reference point to use to get back on the right track. When I rely on His power, I can rest in the knowledge that the outcome depends on His strength and not mine.

2. Being aligned to Christ allows us to reveal Him to others

We don’t check our alignment simply to be “good Christians”. There is more to it. We align ourselves with Christ so that we can properly reveal Him to others.

To reveal Christ is to live out a value system that reflects His wherever God has placed us. It can be seen in something as ordinary as how we respond to challenging colleagues, difficult customers or people who treat us poorly.

I experienced this firsthand during my National Service. I was backslidden for a while when I encountered a Christian brother in my army camp. Every day, he would walk into the toilet I had been assigned to clean. He would greet me with a smile, but I would simply scowl at him in return.

Yet he kept responding with kindness. Over time, my heart softened, my anger dissipated, and he became a friend and brother-in-Christ who played a part in bringing me back to the Lord.

He revealed Christ to me through those daily encounters. He embodied the humility, gentleness and servant-heartedness we see in Christ in Philippians 2:5-11.

When we properly reveal Christ, He receives the glory. But if, in the course of our ministry, we are judgmental, impatient or self-righteous, what sort of “Jesus” do people see in us?

3. Being aligned to Christ helps us persevere in our God-given assignment

There have been times when I felt like my ministry was going nowhere and wondered if I should give up and do something else. It is easy to get discouraged and distracted by people or circumstances.

When this happens, I review, remember and respond to the two prophetic words the Lord gave me regarding my pastoral assignment: That pastoring is my assignment, and that I was “not to go back to making tents” (the marketplace).

Recalling these words has enabled me to regain focus and persevere through tough seasons. After all, my assignment came from the King of kings. Who am I to abandon it?

I see staying aligned as vital for disciples of Christ in these last days. We stay awake, stay aligned and stay on assignment like the faithful servants in Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).

We do not know the exact time of the Master’s return. When He does, I pray that I – and every disciple of Christ – will be found faithful, doing the assignments He has given us.

If you’d like to find out more about Archippus Awakening’s Alignment Check, register for the upcoming Alignment WeekEnd 2026 here.

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