Some people read manuals – others don’t. My experience is, it pays to check out what the instructions say and it helps to read a manual when you’re having a problem with something. It’s helpful information and usually saves time, effort, money and a lot of personal frustration! Everyone else’s opinion may produce some helpful results, but on the other hand it may yield nothing more than collective ignorance! Gotta admit it – I’m inclined to check the instructions and the manual first!
Now if that’s a helpful approach to solving problems with merchandise and technology, how much more true with issues of “life” and “faith” … My advice? Check out what the Bible says – the infallible Word of God! Here is what I read this morning in the Bible during “Coffee with the Lord”…
“Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise! Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes… The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (From Psalm 119:153–160 ESV)
Ad hoc advice from anyone and everyone with an opinion may be the approach some take… But not for me! Thanks, but no thanks! I’ll seek the advice and direction given in the infallible Word of God over all the opinions of others, including those who may be self-styled “experts.” The track record of the opinions given by the broader culture isn’t very encouraging… read your newspaper or watch the evening news today!