Not long ago as I sat before the Lord I ‘heard’ the word “recalibrate”. So I pondered what it meant.

In the world of instruments, which is what I would most associate the word with, it means to makes small changes so that the instrument measures accurately. For example, I’ve got this little device that reads colors for the purpose of matching. Each time I turn it on it has to be recalibrated. It is then ready to provide me the information I need.

You could say that to recalibrate a thing is to bring it back to the place where it adheres to a standard, as most things, over time deviate one way or another. Most times, I think, it is used in connection with instruments, systems, and weapons. It has to do with precision, with accuracy. In most cases it means small but important changes, though it could mean major adjustments also.

You can also recalibrate your life, or things in your life. It can be your thinking, your plans, or your current direction. Maybe it’s your vision or your strategy for reaching your goals or fulfilling a dream.

You could rightly say–in spiritual terms–that to recalibrate is to repent; that is, to make the necessary changes where your thinking or manner of life has drifted from God’s design.

To recalibrate in this sense means you have to consider where you have deviated and focus your attention there. It is in this place, or places, adjustments are needed.

It has been rightly pointed out that just being one degree off now can mean multiple degrees down the road. An inch now could be miles over time. Where you wish to go and where you end up will be two completely different places. So it is that minor, even minuscule deviations can have undesirable outcomes in due course. A man ought continually examine himself then, to make sure he is on his proper course, always making the proper adjustments to stay that way.

Of course, this can apply to your relationship with God. Or with your spouse or family. To your church. Your attitudes, your motives. It could be your habits, such as in eating. Or it could apply to your business. In truth, it applies to all these, to everything in life. Recalibrate, adjust, change, bring back to a standard–God’s.