Assembly is much easier with an instruction manual – a step-by-step guide transforming a pile of parts into their created design. Unfortunately, life does not come with such a manual. But guides are provided.
There is a certain joy to figuring out puzzles on our own. But it’s also nice to have instructions when building something unfamiliar.
And most building projects come with an instruction manual. The outcome is important enough for the designers to include a step-by-step guide to help us in putting together the product exactly according to its intended specifications.
We often wish our life came with such an owner’s manual.
Things would be a lot simpler if we knew exactly what job to take or relationship to pursue. And if we had step-by-step instructions we could know precisely what step we’re on during any particular season.
Though the outcome of our life is of infinite importance, God in his wisdom decided not to give us a static instruction manual.
However, we are not left on our own to figure things out. God has given us personal guides to show us the way, Jesus being the ultimate example.
We need this dynamic and personal touch to discover the man we were created to be.
As we face the many challenges of life, who we’re becoming is often more important than what we do in a particular situation.
A static manual can only answer the questions of what. But a personal guide helps to transform who we are to our core.
We learn to talk by modeling the spoken word around us. And the same is true in our growth into manhood.
We grow by modeling others – not by merely copying them, but learning how to embody the truth, goodness, and beauty of a life lived well.
Rather than looking for a step-by-step manual, we need to search for our personal guides and mentors.
Our souls are much too complex not to have this personal touch and interaction with another.
Life does not come with an instructional manual. But find your personal guide and discover all that God has for you.
Photo by Vance Osterhout on Unsplash
