Reading the Instructions

Sometimes, when we purchase a new gadget of some sort, we open the box and immediately try to start using it without ever looking through the instructions.  There are some who never even bother reading the instructions.  Inevitably, sometime down the road, this new gadget stops working properly and a frustrating struggle ensues.  Some, at this point, will turn to the instructions, but many will toss the thing out or put it aside never to be thought of again.  The most humble will seek advice from someone with more wisdom – maybe someone who’s read the instructions.

Throughout time, much of the human race has tended to ignore God.  When we look at the world around us, it’s clear that there was intelligent design behind the awesome complexity of our universe, the earth we live on, and the bodies we inhabit.  Denying that there was a Creator is short-sighted to say the least.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”  Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Clearly, the Creator knows precisely how to get the most out of our lives in this world, but still there are many who do not bother reading the instructions.  Many who acknowledge the existence of a Creator continue to ignore the Bible that contains all the information needed to connect with God and live a fulfilled life.

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”  Romans 1:21 (NIV)

Since the beginning of time, there have been a people who either consciously or unconsciously decided to ignore God and worship something else like greed, or lust, or power.

“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.”  Romans 1:25 (NIV)

God has allowed these people to go their own way and travel ever further down this dark road.  At the same time, God has also provided a means of escape.  God has sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sinful ways. Jesus demonstrated His power over the devil’s death sentence by dying on the cross and returning to life three days later. By placing our faith in Jesus, and turning from our selfish desires to follow His teaching, we too can receive eternal life.  When we read the instructions found in the Bible we discover we are lost without Jesus.  Following the instructions can save us all from unneeded frustration and despair.

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context.  Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations.  In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon.  Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.

A Pure Heart