LA Holiness Church (LAHC)

The Good Tidings - "Follow the Instructions", September 2010 

In celebration of our new place and for the gatherings that would one day come, I decided to splurge and get a new barbecue grill.  After a quick look at what was available, I settled on a large charcoal grill.  As I examined the box, it said “Assembly required” but I was not too intimidated.  After all, how hard could it be to put some legs on a metal box? 

Now those who know me know that I am not that handy with tools.  Even I would be the first to admit that I am not that handy.  But while my handyman knowledge and experience may not be vast, I don’t consider myself to be totally ignorant either.  After all, I know the basics like being able to identify what a hammer is, that rechargeable batteries need to be charged before using a cordless drill, and am able to recite “righty tighty, lefty loosey” with relative ease.  So figuring in all this, I estimated that it would only take a half hour, maybe forty-five minutes at most.    

About a month after purchasing it, I went to the garage and pulled the box out.  I tore the box open, lined up all the different pieces, and put the instruction manual aside just in case I needed it.  After all, how hard could this grill be?  As I looked at the pieces, I decided that it would be smart to begin with the base of the grill.  So, I started with the legs of the grill and spent a good thirty minutes on it before I realized I put on some pieces backwards.  I sighed, unscrewed it, and put it on the right way.  Then, I looked carefully at my work and to my dismay noticed the other two legs were incorrectly assembled as well.  In disbelief, I shook my head and fixed them.  Finally, after assembling the base, I began working on the main part, the firebox.  I took the heavy piece, placed it on the frame, and screwed in the sides, when I realized again that I put in on backwards.  At this point, all I could do was laugh at myself.  I just couldn’t believe how long it took me to assemble a simple grill and that by the time I finished and cleaned up, it took me two and a half hours to complete the work.  So much for spending a half hour to forty five minutes assembling this grill.

When I went in the house, I was disgusted with how long it took me to put the barbecue together.  I told Chiyeko that because I made so many mistakes putting it together, I probably could have assembled at least two of them if I did it right the first time.  She asked, “Did you follow the instruction booklet?”  I stared at her blankly, knowing that I didn’t.  And since she knows me and is a wise person, she didn’t say anything else.  If only I would follow instructions from the beginning. 

I share this story because I do not believe that I am alone.  Not following clearly written instructions seems to be a common occurrence in people.  In fact, Chiyeko’s newsletter from last month reminded me that Moses knew all too well the consequences of not following instructions.  Because the people of Israel did not follow instructions and had a lack of faith, a 250 mile journey from Egypt to the Promised Land took 40 years to reach.  Because Moses did not follow instructions from God, he was not allowed to enter into the Promised Land.  Is it no wonder that when Moses was nearing the end of his life that he laid out the instructions from God to the people on how to worship God, terms of the covenant they had with God, dietary regulations, civil matters,  social matters, just to name a few.  In closing off his instructions, Moses said, “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach…No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.  See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.  For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to keep His commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:11, 14-16)  The message was so clear.  If the people followed these instructions from the Lord, they would reap the benefits of being able to enjoy a land filled with luxurious provisions and safety.  But if they didn’t, they would waste a lot of time, miss out on blessings, and even condemn themselves.  A lot is to be said on following instructions.    

God has laid out His instructions in His Word for us to follow as well.  How about you?  Do you take time to read the Bible to understand God’s perfect and good will for your life?  Or is it collecting dust while you wander?  The command to follow God’s instructions is no less binding for us as they were to the people of Israel.  I pray that I will not be as ignorant in ignoring the instructions from God as I was in putting the barbecue together.  And I pray that you will not be either.  May each of you enjoy the blessings God showers upon those that seek Him.  

                                                            Saved by God's grace,