Refer to the User's Guide

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Are you someone who will buy something new, open and package and begin putting it together without even a glance at the directions?  Or do you consider it a challenge, part of the enjoyment of have a new item to assemble?  Do you open the directions, lay them alongside all the pieces and begin to figure out the first step, then the next and so on?

The words in the little booklet or sheet of paper which accompanied your purchase were written to make it easier to use. Often the instructions will suggest you keep this sheet with your important papers should you need to refer to it again.  The manufacturer never expected you to figure it out all by yourself; they knew you would need some help.

This is one way to look at the Bible and the different stories and lessons found there. When we take the time to glance at the instruction book God has provided for us, we can learn how to put the pieces of our lives together, learn how to shape ourselves to work in the world. It is an assembly manual for our families, instructing us with the knowledge of what step to take first then second, and so on.

The Bible is a tool for living which will cast light on the path before us, directing our steps. It only makes sense to refer to an instruction manual when tackling construction of something important. When lost, refer to the directions on the map, when broken, dig out the instructions book.  We don't have to figure it out all alone.  We have an instruction book for life, for living in a broken world we have a guide to help us pick up the pieces. Use the Manual.



Psalm 119:105-112