By Dean Kelly

It makes sense that the one who made something is the most obvious source of how to maintain and use whatever item they have produced. It is important to be able to look at an owner’s manual and find out the way the product was intended to be used, repaired, etc.

The same is true for humans as well. In Genesis 1:26-27 the scriptures say, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;… So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” God made us, and hence we should consult Him to know how we are to “operate.”

The prophet Jeremiah makes this inspired statement, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). And the wise man Solomon wrote, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Since God made us, it makes sense that He would make sure we knew how to please Him, and how to live our lives. The psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). James, the brother of Jesus, instructed, in James 1:21, “…receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

If we follow the “owner’s manual” in obedient faith it will take us to the cross where salvation is found. 

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.