When it comes to reading the directions or following instructions, where are you on the spectrum?
• I always read them and follow every one to the letter. I believe the person who wrote them knows more about it than I do. Why not do it right the first time?
• I read some of them, then when I think I’ve got it, I do it on my own. I don’t have the patience to read “a book” about something when I just want to do it.
• I figure things out on my own and don’t read directions or instructions. I don’t need or want someone else telling me what to do.
• Honestly, I find instructions confusing. I get frustrated. Then I get mad and sad because I think I’m not as smart as other people so I give up.
You may not only have found your type, but this list probably brought others to mind! Interesting, isn’t it?
• Some people would rather get lost than ask for directions. This one may be genetic, wink wink ;).
• Some people skim a recipe and leave out ingredients or guess the right temperature, then wonder why it didn’t turn out right.
• Some glance at the instructions about putting furniture together and get to the end with 11 parts left over and have to take it apart and do it right the second time.
Let’s think deeper about life lessons in these things we do and compare them to our approach to God’s manual, the Holy Bible. Yes! He wrote a guide for our lives that also reveals to us who He is because without it, how would we know? His directions and instructions also divide people into the same four basic categories:
The Follower, The Impatient, The Maverick, The Quitter
If you’re a Follower, you accept and welcome God to teach you through His Word. You freely admit you need help navigating your life. You do the things it says and find peace, love, hope, truth, and wisdom beyond your own to use every day.
If you’re Impatient, you may have a basic overview of the Bible, but are too busy or disinterested to learn what it really says. You have questions that go unanswered and when life needs fixing, it’s difficult. Rather than keep going, you may just “buy a new one” and find something else to believe in.
If you’re a Maverick, you’re on your own. What you decide about something is all that matters. You’re the judge and jury, even when your actions lead to consequences that could have been avoided. You don’t believe the Bible could have anything to teach you because you already have the answers.
If you’re a Quitter, you’re still a seeker at heart. With patience and going at your own pace, you can achieve more than you may think you can – or have been told you can. The Bible is a book that people study for a lifetime and it’s meant to be savored and meditated on. You’re open to learning more.
If you haven’t read The Manual, are you willing to try again and say a simple prayer asking God to meet you there? Maybe you’re in a painful place right now, or you’re scared, or you have anxiety. Maybe you’ve discovered you don’t have all the answers.
James 1:5 (NIV) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Start by reading the book of John in the New Testament with an open heart this time. You’ll begin to see how things are designed to truly fit together in your life by the One who loves you and created you!
RESET HIGHER: Like everything else in life, we need to put in the time to see results. Make a new habit to read your Bible and have devotions every day. If you’re looking for a place to start, find the YouVersion app on your phone or tablet or visit their website here: youversion.com. It’s filled with free daily readings and plans that will help you change your life for good.
