By: Alex Gutierrez
Do not neglect your source of sustenance- the life giving Truth.
There is nothing more important then the Word of God.
Imagine for just a second that you find yourself on a barren island with limited provisions by yourself. In the background you can hear the waves dancing along the shoreline as the sun glimmers across the surface of the ocean from the eastern direction. As you look around for any signs of life all you see is a sun-scorched land with limited trees and nothing more. Your hope for survival seems bleak at best. From a distance you see what appears to be a blinding reflection of what looks to be a metallic object.
As you approach the object you realize that what you’re looking at is your only hope for survival; a means to leaving this desolate land and finding your way back home where you belong. It’s an airplane sitting on a semi prepared surface at the very edge of the runway facing the opposite end of the island in a position to takeoff. You’re amazed at the size of the aircraft as it sits firmly promising deliverance. You find the door unlatched open and inviting; your hope for survival has raised your spirits. As you peer into the aircraft you call out hoping to hear the voice of pilots that are willing and able to carry you off to a better place. The echo of your voice and the dancing of the waves are the response to your cry. Lacking the rejoinder you hope for you board the aircraft and realize that you’re still alone.
As you peer into the cockpit you stand in awe at the complexity of the instrumentation and overwhelmed by the amount of buttons and circuit breakers. You sit in one of the seats and start looking around and the first thought that enters your mind in desperation is that you are going to figure out how to start the aircraft and get off the island. You start to punch buttons hoping that one of them will start the engines to no avail. If you could get the engines started do you really think you could fly it? Do you even understand what it takes to operate such a massive vehicle? The reality is that if you where able to get the airplane started your chances of survival are better on the ground then they would ever be in the air however on the ground you will never get back home. Sitting next to you in the co-pilot seat you find a book that has your name on the cover engraved. You open the book and this is what is says:
Justin,
At this point it does not matter why you’re on this island or how you got here. I have made away for you to come back home where you belong. If you decide to takeoff without reading these instructions first you may never make it. I have taken the time to write these instructions for you so that you may navigate through the wilderness and arrive where I will be waiting for you with arms wide open. Know that I love you and I will be with you until you touch down on firm ground. Your flight plan is in the flight computer follow my words so you can now fly back home. I love you and look forward to your arrival.
Waiting Patiently,
Eli
You step off the airplane with the manual in hand and take a look at the daunting vehicle and realize that it’s a matter of perspective a decision you will have to make. From a distance it either looks like one big metal casket or a vehicle that can get you back home. The difference is whether or not you have what it takes to follow the instructions.
What would you do in this situation? Even if it took another year on the island if you where serious about getting home you would probably read every single page of the instruction manual possibly several times just to make sure of your comprehension. This life that we have been given can either be a vehicle to get us back into the presence of our God or not. Ever since the fall of man the Lord has desired for us to be back in his presence. We are born wayward with the ability to be adopted into the body of Christ.
As a pilot I would never step into an airplane without first receiving the proper training and learning to operate the aircraft in fear that I may lose my life. How is it that we feel like we are more than capable of navigating through life without first studying and learning the word of God which is the true instruction for life?
No one in their right mind would ever walk up to an airplane start pushing buttons and attempt to takeoff without knowing how to fly first. This principle is very easy to understand based on the complexity of the vehicle. However why are we so often willing to takeoff or navigate through life without the guidance and instruction of the written Word of God. Many people have learned enough to get this parabolic aircraft off the ground without much knowledge of the instrumentation. False confidence and a little bit of instructions on what it takes to get this aircraft started have led them to believe there headed in the right direction. Their lack of knowledge on the navigation instruments misguides them and they don’t realize all along they have been flying one long continuous circle around the very same island they have tried to escape. The reality is that once the fuel runs out the ability to get to their destination becomes impossible.
I wrote this while flying back on a mission back from Afghanistan. I asked the other pilot sitting next to me if he would ever fly an airplane as complex as the one we where flying without any instruction? The answer is very obvious.
But this book of the law shall not depart your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to everything that is written, for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8
Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105
I have stored your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
