Do You Take The Time To Read The Owner’s Manual

Some of you might know that my daughter used to live in Alaska. It is a gorgeous state with lots of panoramic views, perfect for anyone wanting to take in the scenery and explore the great outdoors. Before setting off on any adventure, it’s always wise to read the owner’s manual to ensure you’re well-prepared and know what to expect, much like preparing for the great Alaskan wilderness.

My daughter originally went to Alaska to study Marine Biology. She always loved sharks (nothing like her mother), and the University of Alaska had a fantastic Marine Biology department. She soon fell in love with the people and the state and became an outdoor enthusiast. She loved visiting glaciers, exploring ice caves, hiking through the woods, spending time on the water, and observing marine life along the coastlines.

So, when she asked for a GoPro camera to record some of her adventures, we were happy to get her one. It seemed like a great idea, but the recordings never happened. She didn’t even record when she jumped off the side of a mountain to go parasailing! Thankfully, I didn’t know about that adventure beforehand, so I never had to worry.

Fast forward several years, and Joe decided to use the GoPro to record his airplane flights. We retrieved the GoPro from my daughter and were surprised when we opened it to find lots of options and parts that came with it.

Now, I’m not saying that every male is the same as my husband, but Joe NEVER reads the owner’s manual. He’ll only open it if he’s working on a piece of equipment and needs specific details. Otherwise, he prefers to “wing it.”

This got me thinking about how often we overlook the owner’s manual for things we buy. I’ve talked before about how much we use our phones and the many features they offer. Even those who use their phones extensively may not be scratching the surface of all the features and possibilities—mainly because they haven’t read the owner’s manual.

I’m just guessing here, but I bet the smartphone beside me can perform over a hundred different tasks. While I use my phone for many things, I probably only utilize about a tenth of its capabilities. Why? Because I’ve never read the owner’s manual.

When I get a new phone, I open the box, make sure it’s charged, and start playing with it immediately. The same goes for a new stove, refrigerator, television, or car. I’ll drive a brand-new car home from the dealer without ever touching the owner’s manual.

We miss out on so much because of our (yes, I’m including you, too!) aversion to reading the owner’s manual. We might know the highlights but miss some of the best and most valuable features.

Have you ever stopped to think about where an owner’s manual comes from? The maker of the product creates it. You won’t get an owner’s manual for a smartphone from a toaster company. I wouldn’t trust an owner’s manual for my brand-new car if a carpet manufacturer made it. I want specific instructions on how to use the product I bought from the creator because they know the product best.

Wouldn’t it be nice if “WE” had an owner’s manual? Something we could read and research so that we don’t miss out on all the best stuff and most helpful details? OH WAIT!!! We DO have an owner’s manual! We were created, and our Creator gave us an owner’s manual to navigate life. Our owner’s manual is called the Bible.

If you are scared

Joshua 1:9 NIV
⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

If you are worried

Matthew 6:34 NIV
³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

If you don’t know how to pray

Matthew 6:6 NIV
⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

If you are worried about finances

Deuteronomy 28:12 NIV
¹² The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

Today, take out your owner’s manual and see what instructions you might have been missing. Here’s one last piece of wisdom from my manual:

Psalms 1:1-3 NIV
¹ Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

To GOD Goes the Glory!

Have a Blessed Day!

Let’s end with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing us with Your Word, our ultimate owner’s manual. Please help us to turn to it daily, seeking guidance, wisdom, and comfort. May we never overlook its treasures and always remember that You know us better than anyone. Guide us in all we do, and help us to walk according to Your plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.