Following Instructions Carefully

During my school days, I often dove into a test without carefully and completely reading all the instructions. The result? -Often wrong answers to questions that I could have easily answered correctly. This tendency to skip reading the instructions carries over into other areas for my life. For instance, the assemble yourself furniture can quickly become a disastrous frustration when the instructions are left in the corner, nuts and bolts are all over the floor, and I think I know what I am doing.

I will never forget the day, many years ago when my five year old finally showed me the pictures on the instructions to guide me in the process of assembling her new bookcase. As the years have passed, I have realized that instructions are for my own good. Every once in a while, however, this tendency to ignore them will raise up its ugly head. I am again reminded to listen to or give good instructions for a well completed task.

God taught this concept to Moses when He said,

"Assemble the people...so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land." (Deuteronomy 31:12-13 NIV)

If instructions are important to God they should be important to us.

Noah was considered righteous because he followed instructions. Genesis 6:22 tells us, Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Following God's instructions exactly is considered part of a righteous life.

As followers of Jesus, we must be careful to listen to and completely follow his instructions to us....with a happy heart. Don't follow my mistakes in test-taking when dealing with the commands of Jesus. Let us be known for doing everything just as Jesus instructed! Read the instructions this week.

Sharing the journey with you,