Following Instructions
Why is it so hard for people to follow instructions? There are times when we don't even read them, much less follow them. How can it be so hard? Is it painful, or does it cause severe loss of time and money? I don't think any of these things constitute the main reasons for not being willing to listen to or follow instructions.
The main culprit is pride. We really believe that we can figure it out ourselves. We think that it could not be so difficult that we need to waste our time trying to do it a particular way. Our way just might be better than the way of the person who wrote the instructions. That is a bunch of conceit, isn't it? However, we have all had it at one time or another, haven't we? When are we going to give up the pride, and do things by the book or by the directions of the person who knows? I hope it will be soon, because it has it's definite benefits.
This is especially true when it comes to Christians. We like what the Bible says about Jesus dying for our sins and rising again to prove He is Lord over all. However, the rest of the Bible becomes suspect any time it clashes with what we want to do. We begin to make excuses for not following the clear instructions of the Creator of the universe. Now, how smart is that? It is practically the dumbest thing that I can imagine. The Only Wise God thought it important enough to inspire men to write down books for our instruction and to lead people to compile them in one volume, the Bible. Now, we have all we need to know about everything, and we are reluctant to read it or refer to it. Go figure!
Let me issue a challenge to all of us. Start following God's instructions that are clearly given in His Word in precept and principle. Then, see if it doesn't change your life for the better. If after a year or so, you can look at God, and tell Him that He doesn't know what He is talking about, then so be it, but give Him a chance. Read the Word every day, and do what you read. Keep notes. Then, when you have a question or you need to know about a particular topic, look it up, and follow the instructions. What a novel idea! However, I for one can say that it is the only way to live, because God loves us to much, and He wrote the instructions to bring us peace and joy.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 9-12.
The main culprit is pride. We really believe that we can figure it out ourselves. We think that it could not be so difficult that we need to waste our time trying to do it a particular way. Our way just might be better than the way of the person who wrote the instructions. That is a bunch of conceit, isn't it? However, we have all had it at one time or another, haven't we? When are we going to give up the pride, and do things by the book or by the directions of the person who knows? I hope it will be soon, because it has it's definite benefits.
This is especially true when it comes to Christians. We like what the Bible says about Jesus dying for our sins and rising again to prove He is Lord over all. However, the rest of the Bible becomes suspect any time it clashes with what we want to do. We begin to make excuses for not following the clear instructions of the Creator of the universe. Now, how smart is that? It is practically the dumbest thing that I can imagine. The Only Wise God thought it important enough to inspire men to write down books for our instruction and to lead people to compile them in one volume, the Bible. Now, we have all we need to know about everything, and we are reluctant to read it or refer to it. Go figure!
Let me issue a challenge to all of us. Start following God's instructions that are clearly given in His Word in precept and principle. Then, see if it doesn't change your life for the better. If after a year or so, you can look at God, and tell Him that He doesn't know what He is talking about, then so be it, but give Him a chance. Read the Word every day, and do what you read. Keep notes. Then, when you have a question or you need to know about a particular topic, look it up, and follow the instructions. What a novel idea! However, I for one can say that it is the only way to live, because God loves us to much, and He wrote the instructions to bring us peace and joy.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 9-12.