The Operator’s Manual
On what basis do you make decisions in life? As you walk through this life, what is your source of counsel for the choices that you make? Are you driven by what seems or feels right? Is it the popular views of society that determine your direction?
Or, do you have a standard that you consult before making decisions? Is that measure one that is separate from the constantly changing influences of the world? The apostle Paul wrote that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) God’s Word is a believer’s manual for the Christian life. This was affirmed by Peter when he stated that the Lord Jesus Christ “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us.” (2 Peter 1:3) The Bible has all the information we need on being saved and for living a life pleasing to God. Apart from the truth of Scripture, we are simply groping in the dark. At best, we are just guessing about life and its purpose. On our own thinking, we are easily deceived by the devil. God told us that our ways and thoughts are completely inferior to His plan for our life. (See Isaiah 55:8-9) Repeatedly, the Word of God reinforces the fact that the Christian life is only successful when experienced from God’s perspective. Proverbs 9:10 is the key: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” The fear of the Lord begins with salvation, and the knowledge of the Holy One can only be gained from the Scriptures. The Bible is the Operator’s Manual for The Christian Life. Do you know the manual? It’s not possible to effectively operate the Christian life without it.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.