You Always Do A Better Job When You Follow The Instructions!!!
Ever have one of those home improvement projects where you take things out of the box and think, “Oh I can have this put together in no time!” Then later, what you’ve attempted looks nothing like the picture on the front of the box and you have a ton of leftover parts – and in the process, you’ve smashed your thumb a time or two? At that point, maybe it’s a good idea to look at that little instruction manual – to learn what’s right to do.
As Christians, our manual is the Holy Bible. While this passage is taken from the book of Proverbs, our instruction manual for the Christian faith must be the entire Bible, not just one passage or book that has become our favorite. We must be willing to read it all, even though at times, the feelings that are brought up and the shaping that occurs might require more in depth study or it might be hard. Sometimes periods of growth are slow and steady. Remember learning algebra– you didn’t get all of that in one semester either? It takes time to follow the path that God has for you –a lifetime. We must be willing to grow daily. That growth can come from many different avenues, such as instruction, correction, encouragement, conviction, and reproof. All of it can be found in Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 (MSG), states, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”
These verses serve as a reminder to be in the word daily so that I can continue to be shaped for the tasks that God wants me to undertake. I need to be ready for what is placed in front of me. I do not want to be unprepared, or winding up smashed at the end of the day like my thumb sometimes at the end of a project when I don’t read those instructions.
Why do we hesitate at reading the instructions? Is it fear? Control?
How do we grow as Christians when we read the Word?
When we read the Word are there things that we can use to mentor a newer Christian or one who is younger in chronological age?
Hi Erica,
Thanks for the encouraging word! As someone who never reads the instruction manual when putting items together, your analogy hit home and is so true
I love the verse…”When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.” Jer. 15:16.
Merry Christmas!