I had to buy a new UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for my computer today because my old one was at the end of its life. It houses a big battery that can keep my computer running if our power goes out, as well as protect it from surges and dips in our power supply.
I am the kind of person who reads instructions. The instructions for my new UPS included one little line that could be easily overlooked or ignored. It said that although the UPS comes charged and ready to use right out of the box, I can maximize the life of the battery by charging it for at least 8 hours before using it.
Of course I’d like to maximize the life of my new battery, so it is charging as I write this. The benefit is worth a little delay.
Today’s verse is a little like that one line in my instruction manual. Do I want to maximize my life — my joy, my success, my peace, my resilience, my time? If so, I should listen to and obey God’s instruction, as well as instruction from people wiser and more experienced than I am. It will cost me some time and maybe a little pride, but the reward is worth it.
If I choose to ignore all instruction instead, if I don’t bother reading the manual, it may feel as if I am saving time and that I am in control, but the reality is that my battery won’t last as long when the storm comes and the power goes out. A lot of problems can be avoided or at least minimized by taking the time to listen for God’s instruction.
Dear God,
Thank you for providing your basic instructions in such as easily accessible way for me. I am sorry when I take the Bible for granted. What a wonderful gift. Remind me to spend time reading it and listening for your instructions. I want maximum life for my battery so that I have your strength in difficult times.
CamDevo 