Life’s Instruction Manual

Do you read the instruction manual before using your new toy or setting up what you just bought?  Or perhaps you just dive in and see how it goes.  If you get stuck, then maybe, as a last resort, you’ll find the instructions, assuming you haven’t tossed them out.

Have you ever wished that life came with an instruction manual? Well if you did, there is good news; we have one.  In fact, it covers every facet of life, and if followed guarantees a better, more enjoyable and peaceful life.

Why am I writing this post?  Well, it’s quite simple really; I’m watching something happen with my kids as it relates to reading instructions.  For whatever reason, I’ve always been one of those that has to read the instructions before setting something up.  Since my kids were born, the first thing we do is read the instructions.  At first it was a little hard for them as they wanted to tear right in, but after time, they began to see the benefit.  Things worked the first time.  They knew all of the features of the toy.  They didn’t miss out on anything.  They were, in fact, happier, and enjoyed whatever it was much more.

Here’s where I may loose some of you, as I’m about to bring up a word that turns many people off, so let me just ask you to keep reading till the end as there is a point in it for you. Before my oldest could speak, I’ve called God’s Bible, “Life’s Instruction Manual”.  They see mom and dad reading it and talking about it.  My kids have heard it as part of their vocabulary, and now are thinking of it as a resource, at least the oldest two are (the younger two haven’t started to read yet).  The Bible speaks a lot about wisdom and understanding, what it is and how to get it.  My kids picked up on that part of the “instruction book” and talk a lot about what they do and if it is wise or not.  Another example is when my oldest was scared and couldn’t sleep because of seeing something about earthquakes, she turned to the Bible and found peace.  They are also understanding that true love is not a feeling but a set of actions that you choose to do.  By making those choices you get the feeling.  There are many, many more examples that I could give you, but you get the idea.

As an adult, I am still amazed by how much about life is contained in the Bible. From relationships and marriage to creating a life plan, developing a successful career, how to handle money, even how to resolve conflicts between two friends.  The Bible is a complete instruction manual for successful living; ironically, even for those that don’t believe it was written by God.  What did I just say?  You heard me correctly, you don’t even have to believe that the Bible was the inspired writing of God to enjoy some of the benefits contained in the book. Truth is truth right? Or to put it another way, the laws of life and nature keep working even if you don’t believe in them, and that my friends is a big part of what the Bible is; a Book about how life and nature works.  Of course for the believer it’s also a Book about how life begins, ends and a possibility of an eternal future.  Both for adults and kids…