Follow The Directions
One of the definitions of direction is: instructions on how to reach a destination or about how to do something. We are all familiar with directions as we have likely been offered instruction for as long as we can remember. A child is provided with proper guidance from parents and sometimes older siblings as they continue to grow. Often this is instruction as to what to do or what not to do. This direction shapes individuals. Of course, not all advice, direction is good. Some is bad and will lead to disastrous consequences if followed. Some folks heed sound instruction, considering the direction is provided for their good. Others fail to follow sound advice and direction given them, deeming it not beneficial. This is often due to a “stubborn will”.
Take for instance, the loving advice of the wife to the hard-headed husband as he struggles to assemble something, having discarded the “directions”. I personally have dealt with the shame of having “extra parts” and something not working properly because I disregarded the instructions or directions that came from the maker of that which I attempted to assemble. More than once I’ve heard the sage advice, “If you would have followed the directions . . .”
Sadly, I failed to learn this the first, second, and even the third time this occurred. I’ll not admit how many times it took for me to “get it” because I lost count. Finally, I’ve learned to read the directions first, (even if I thought I knew how it went together), and check to see if I had all that was needed to accomplish the project at hand. Consider the time and effort wasted and the frustration I brought upon myself by not following directions.
Also, directions are needed when going to a place to which we haven’t been before. Sadly, I’m guilty in that department as well. Maps were often in the glovebox, neatly folded and rarely opened. Today, considering the present fuel prices, I’d love to have all the gas I’ve wasted driving around, having not consulted the maps. Luckily, advances in technology have forced “directions” on us whether we realize it or not. GPS is a live-action map and provides directions from one place to another. Rather than following our own way, if we are willing to follow the proven directions we are given, we will arrive at the proper destination.
I’m also glad that projects on this earth can sometimes be re-done, and destinations can be safely reached even if we first started out not following directions. Many times I have made the claim, “I’m never lost if I’ve got plenty of gas in the tank”. I no longer think that to be a wise statement. I am equally grateful that a failed project can sometimes be carefully disassembled, and then successfully put back together by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer or maker. When the directions are followed, a harmonious outcome results.
Let’s consider this in the realm of religion. Earlier it was stated that not all instruction or direction is good or sound. The 1st thing one must determine is if the direction comes directly from God. Following man’s advice results in disastrous results for eternity. This is why all MUST read, study, and follow what God has stated in His Word. Following the Word of God requires that one “rightly divide”, or handle aright, the instruction God has provided in His Word. This means keeping passages in context. In 2Pet 3:16, the Spirit had the apostle point out that the “unlearned and unstable” wrested (to twist, pervert, distort, or misapply) Scripture, “unto their own destruction”.
Secondly, rightly divided direction from God (His Word), MUST properly be followed. God’s Word has correctly been called the “road map from earth to heaven”. If one cannot or will not follow the directions God gives in His Word, can they expect to arrive at the destination? Sadly, some think there is more than one way. In John 10:1, Jesus said that any that tried to enter “some other way” were “the same is a thief and a robber”. In John 14:6, Christ said to Thomas, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” In John 14:15, Jesus, in speaking to His apostle’s elect, told them, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” In 1John 5:3, we also read, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
Would any contend that God’s Commandments aren’t sound directions? Since none can successfully argue against this, why don’t more people do as God directs in His Word and follow His instruction? Is it because they don’t like His directions? Some who claim to love God and love Jesus still want to follow man’s way, man’s doctrine, in the name of religion. If Jesus is “the way”, why not follow His direction? The direction of Christ is the same as the Commandments of the Father. What are God’s instructions for man? It is that man do as God directs to save his soul.
God’s direction for the Salvation of a soul begins with becoming a child of God. This requires hearing the Word (Rom 10:17), Believing that Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24), Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3), Confess before men that Christ is God’s Son (Acts 8:36-37), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of past sins (Acts 22:16). But God’s direction doesn’t stop there. All Christians are directed, as was the church in Smyrna in Rev 2:10c, “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Will you not hear God’s Commandments and follow His direction, become His child and faithfully serve throughout the remainder of your life? Heed the direction which the Spirit had Paul pen for the young preacher Timothy. We read this guidance in 1Tim 6:11-12a - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called. . . “ Make preparation today for your journey to eternal life.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
