I am passed the stage in life when we spend the late night hours of Christmas Eve putting together toys for the kids. I remember spreading out the instructions and trying to follow them so that the kids could enjoy their gifts the first thing in the morning. Some sets of instructions were clearer than others, but they were all designed to make the toy work properly. Of course, after the assembly was completed, I had to play with the toy for a while to make sure it worked well.
God has prepared an instruction book for life. It is called the Bible, or God’s Word. The problem is that we ignore it altogether, or at least far too often. We are eager to experience life on our own terms, so we forget about the instruction book.
Proverbs 2:6-7 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” When we fail to follow God’s instruction book, we miss His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. God created the world and life and gave us His Word to show us how to live. A life lived apart from God’s Word is one that is removed from wisdom and God’s protection.
Reluctant Retiree 