When you buy an appliance or device, it comes with an instruction manual that describes its different parts and how to set it up and operate it. If you don’t read the manual (thinking you know your way
around it), you may not get the best out of your device because you don’t fully understand how to operate it. Or worse, you may end up damaging it; either way, shortchanging yourself. This is exactly what happens with Christians who don’t study the Bible (God’s manual for life)—they shortchange themselves and live ineffective lives.
People say “Experience is the best teacher,” but the best teacher in life is God’s Word, the instruction manual for living. That’s why the Bible says, “Every Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for convincing, for correction of error, and for instruction in right doing;” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 WNT). Learning God’s Word and putting it to work will save you from regrettable experiences. David said, “By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path” (Psalm 119:105 MSG). This means the Word of God gives you direction and the ‘know-how’ to succeed in life.
You don’t have to live by “trial and error”; stick with the Word, and everything about your life will work out beautifully. Living by the Word will make you a wonder to your friends, such that when they ask, “How come life is so easy for you?” you simply reply, “I follow God’s manual for life.”
