Instructions for Instructions
Can instruction manuals really be that difficult to understand?
I was stunned when I read the directions on how to use the instruction manual on a recent gift to my oldest daughter. Directions for directions! They started with a stop sign, advising me to read all of the instructions before proceeding.
Yeah… right.
There were arrows to determine which instruction was next, as if following the numbered instructions were not simple enough. The picture of tools needed really helped to locate that hard to identify screwdriver.
My wife teases me when I throw the instruction sheets aside during Christmas or after our children’s birthday parties. I try to explain how the instructions are an insult to my male ego and sheer machoism (new word… we came up with it at the last meeting of the Redundant Macho-Male Club of Redundant Macho-Males), yet she insists on collecting the multi-folded, map-like papers and finding the right language out of the five given.
Then she watches me.
Few men can work under such pressure. The most seasoned Marine or merciless mercenary would break under the rigors of a woman judging them as they tried to assembly a small toy… enter the power of Judge Judy! Those guys on that show crack under her glare every time. And so the pressure continues, my studious wife peering over the top edge of the instructions, humming every now and then, muttering under her breath, sounds barely audible even if they are imagined. The constant nodding and shaking of her head as my hand passes over the numerous bolts and washers and plastic whatcha-ma-call-its unwinds the very fibers of manhood, and generally freaks me out. Through the countless hours, the sweating, and torture, I finally finish the assembly to find she is not convinced there are supposed to be spare parts left over.
That’s why they are called spare parts!
While this practice is part of the macho-male code of small parts assembly, it is a disastrous approach to life. Yet many of us trudge through life without ever looking at our instruction manual: The Bible.
The sheer fact that we have the Bible is awesome. Beyond this wonderful instruction manual, He also provides an instructor – the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us in John 14:26, “But when the Father sends the Comforter in my name – and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit – He will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you.” Jesus made this promise to His disciples. He promised them (and us) a teacher. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us when learning God’s instructions for our lives.
And with this perfect example, those manufacturers continue to send simplistic instruction manuals. Instead of insulting us with ridiculous pictures of our tools, send a teacher to help hold those awkward parts and assist us in finding the right whatcha-ma-call-it or doo-hickey.
Yet again, God provides a perfect example and man messes it up. Perhaps, with Christmas just around the corner, we should not expect the manufacturers to send a teacher, but should turn in prayer to the ultimate Teacher. As a member in good standing with the Redundant Macho-Male Club of Redundant Macho-Males, I can assure you there is nothing wrong with us asking for help from another Guy, the Big Guy, the Guy above all guys, the Guy you spell with a capital “G”… yes, that would be Jesus. After all, He does have experience with assemblies, you know… being the Creator and all.
See you in prayer?
