"If all else fails, read the instructions."
When I get a new appliance I really dislike having to read all those very small print operating instructions. My husband has to read every single last word of it. Of course, I'm not allowed to make use of the appliance until he has read all about it and understood the usage for himself and then, of course, again, I get verbally instructed in detail on how to utilize the gadget.
Just plug it in already and use it!
Frustrating and annoying but, I'll admit, useful information. Ha, ha. (Don't tell him I told you that.)
How many of us like or have liked, to listen to our parents' instructions? I think I am of rebellious nature, so would chafe at them inwardly while outwardly toeing the line (mostly). However, my parents did persevere and taught my siblings and I to stringently obey them, often through using the good old-fashioned method; "the board of education on the seat of learning".
It could save your life some day; you just never know.
They'd tell stories such as about the child who was outside playing in the yard and had spotted his father, who was on his way home from work, across the street. The child wanted to dash across said street to his Dad. You know how impulsive young ones can be. He was just about to rush off the curb making a beeline for his Dad when his Dad shouted the command, "STOP!" The boy did. Then a truck whooshed by in the street.
No two objects can occupy the exact same place at the exact same time; thus saith the law of physics. If the lad had not instantly obeyed his father's command, it would have been a very tragic day.
My parents philosophy was that if we would learn to obey them in as complete a way, then we would listen to the voice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ more readily. In so doing we would be put in good stead for life.
The Bible leads us to the true and beautiful. Look at Proverbs 6:20-24 (NIV),
"My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."
Most things come with instructions, not just appliances. You give a child a model airplane to put together, they will have to follow the instructions very closely or you will have a very disassembled-looking contrivance.
The Bible guides us similarly.
Someone who didn't value his parents word very much was Samson despite being a prophet of God. Obviously he didn't value God's Word much either as much of what his parents would have taught him, came from God's Word and even instructions given to them by the angel of the LORD when his birth was foretold to his parents (Judges 13-16). He got himself into a lot of hot soup because of his disregard.
He lusted after a woman from among those the Israelites were specifically told not to have such relations. He loses her in the end and she deceives him. He loses his hair, the sign of God's strength. He lost his strength and eventually loses his eyes. He seemed to have gotten some belated wisdom in the end but it was "game over" for him by then. He lost his life. It would be most difficult for us to be convinced he had had any streak of faith if it wasn't for the fact he is listed in the book of Hebrews in the "Hall of Faith" chapter; chapter 11 and verse 32.
We prefer to hear about good ole Timothy who kept the faith taught by his grandmother and mother (2 Timothy 1:5). Yet, Paul did have to give him a bit of a pep talk. However, Timothy must have hearkened to the advice and admonition and remained faithful and faithfully at his post. He was used of the Lord for the benefit of others.
This ties in rather nicely with the previous Bible ABC - Keep Us. When we keep God's commands and do them we will be guided by them and keep ourselves abiding in God's love at the same time.
If Samson had of followed the instruction about not taking foreign wives (due to the fact they were idol worshipers NOT because of racism!) he would have been well guided. If a follower of Jesus Christ follows a similar injunction which we find in 2 Corinthians 6:14 to not be yoked together with unbelievers, they will find God is gracious and good and looking out for us. He can find the right life partner for anyone or even the right business partner. You see if two people's basic faith orientation stems from the same root: wanting to please, honor and glorify God, there will be greater harmony.
God is all wise and knowing. He made us, so He knows what's best for us. When we listen to Him through reading and obeying His Word and with the interpretation and application of the Holy Spirit's guidance we will be led in the way we should go which will be truly beautiful when adhered to. He is on our side and the best Leader of all. Listen for His voice and follow His lead.
~ERC July 2019~
Another lovely old piece, Trust and Obey, comes to mind.
No comments:
Post a Comment