| Direct my footsteps according to your word … |
| —from Psalm 119:133 |
In the course of my 60+ years of working in fire protection, I have only once encountered an Instruction Manual that I thought was written in a very helpful, detailed, yet easy-to-read style. Sadly, the company and the personnel who produced that Manual—due to changes and market forces beyond their control—has passed from the scene. I still have a copy of that Instruction Manual in my files. It is truly a work of art, yet highly functional at the same time.
The problem with even excellent instructions is that if a user does not follow those instructions carefully, the user will often do something that totally defeats the most effective use of a product or service. That’s why diligent reading, study, and application of properly stated instructions go hand in hand.
As followers of the living Lord Jesus Christ, we Christians—or, “Christ’s-ones”—need to follow the leading of God in our lives. Fortunately for us, God has given us instructions in the full counsel of His written Word, the Bible.
Yes, I know that some Christians do not believe the Bible is inerrant, that is, without error. Others seem to have decided to pick and choose from this Scripture passage or that one, in order to construct a “God” more to their liking, or political agenda, or personal sensitivities. Such actions always deeply sadden me because apparently they have done so because the vision of God that they created for their lives ultimately did not live up to their preconceived notions.
The truth is that God has given us quite adequate instruction through every verse in Scripture. Each verse will inform the pathway of our lives, if we but trust in the words and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within each one who truly believes. The Psalmist understood this concept. Notice what he prayed to God, as recorded in Psalm 119:133:
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
As we begin a new day, let’s pray this prayer of the Psalmist. Then, let’s open our eyes, hearts, and minds to see what God will do in response.
