Proverbs 10:21
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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