Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Proverbs 4:13
IKEA has taken the world by storm! Modern, unpretentious, and witty product designs accompanied by affordable prices are the main reason for the success of this commercial miracle of modern times. Many do not understand that the reason for the favorable prices lies in the fact that IKEA furniture comes in modules that you can assemble yourself, at home, following the precise and detailed assembly instructions. This “Ready to assemble!” characteristic of IKEA products has become a kind of trademark and philosophy of the entire business enterprise.
How many times have you started assembling a toy, piece of furniture, or something else without taking the time to read the instruction manual first? How many times have you set off on a journey without consulting a map or navigation and lost your way, thinking you could do it? If you are like me – often.
Wisdom warns us that the instruction of God’s Word is the greatest treasure we have. Enraptured by the magnificent starting point of our Christian journey, we can easily forget that we are getting there step by step, following the precise instructions we find in the Bible. If we follow an instruction, we will surely reach our goal. But if we rush, carried away by the goal and without reading the instructions, we can easily get lost. This year, we should stick to the teachings and instructions of God’s Word, because not all roads lead to where we intended.
Lord Jesus, I ask you to keep me on the narrow path where I am safe and which leads me to the life that my Heavenly Father has prepared for me. (Matthew 7:12)