Your Instruction Manual for Life

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. (2 Peter 1 vs 3)

Instruction Manuals. Some folks wouldn’t dream of plugging something in or beginning assembly work until reading that little book from cover to cover. Others think, “if I get stuck, I’ll see what the manual has to say.” And still others throw it away faster than they can open the box of the thing that the manual instructs them about.

Whatever your practice may be with manuals, one thing is certain; a clear, thorough, step-by-step instruction guide written by the very person who created that certain purchase would probably be helpful. Well, our creator God, the One who created you and your spouse, has given us such a manual— The bible. But this instruction book is not only helpful, it is essential.

In it is guidance for any and every situation we will encounter in life. In its pages is all the truth we need to receive the blessings of eternal salvation, on how to live a righteous life, and even how to love our spouse. What a great encouragement to know that in His Word, the Lord has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. So, don’t throw out His instruction manual. Instead, read it, study it, and then do it as a first resort, not the last. You can only do marriage better when you get to know Him better.

LOVE IN ACTION

This week find two or three opportunities to encourage your spouse with a Scripture verse. Does he need to be reminded of the Lord’s strength? Does she need to hear about His love for her?

Each of you choose two or three verses from the Bible. Then memorize these verses, hold each other accountable, plan a reward system like back rubs everyday for the week for the first one who nails it. Hiding God’s word in our heart helps us draw on God’s wisdom and not our own.

P R A Y E R

Lord, it makes sense that your word is an instruction manual for my life, for our marriage. Please help me, Lord, to read that manual and do what it says.