The Manual

Do we really need it?

When we purchase an automobile, it usually comes with a User’s Manual.  This manual tells us what type of gas to use in the vehicle; how the various parts function; how often it should be maintained; what the various “trouble” lights mean when they come on, especially the “check engine” light.

When we encounter difficulties while using the vehicle, we can refer to the User’s Manual to determine the best course of action.

Likewise, we have been given a User’s Manual by God.  It is the bible. God designed the human body and has provided us with information on how best to use it and how to maintain it. The spiritual fuel for the human body is the Holy Spirit. We can go far when we are filled with the Spirit. When we encounter a problem such as sickness, the bible tells us how to handle it.  Prayer is the means by which we are healed.  When we are stressed out the bible tells us how to handle it. It tells us to cast our cares on the Lord for He cares for us.

In fact, there are instructions for every type of challenge, every type of set-back we may encounter along this road called life. It tells us how to treat others, even our enemies. The bible tells us that the most important thing we must have is love. Love for God and love for our fellow man.

Failing to read the bible is a recipe for failure. We have only one opportunity to get it right.  The bible states…”it is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgment”. (Hebrews 9:27).

A loving God has provided us with all that we need in terms of instructions, in the bible. If we fail to read it, then we have deprived ourselves of the opportunity to understand what is required to live the abundant life that Jesus promised.