HOW TO PUT THINGS TOGETHER…RIGHT!

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NLT)

During these times where online shopping seems to have topped going outside to do some sporadic spending, I have, by default, learned how to read the directions before assembling purchased items.  My skills have greatly improved, and while some will see me still as a novice, I no longer have to warn visitors to be careful when they sit on a piece of furniture that I put together.  One of the reasons, other than acquired and required patience, and a “that can’t be right” sensing done by my eyes, aided by trifocal glasses, as in the case when the bottom of the chair seat is on top and vice-versa; one of the reasons is that I really read the directions first.  My children who are reading this probably are saying, “You mean our big wheels could have been assembled accurately is I had chosen to learn earlier. 

I’m still not an expert, far from it.  There was one table that came with so many pieces that I decided to give it to someone with a higher mechanical aptitude than I possess.  However, my successes include two couches, two farmhouse stools, a couple of benches, a bench that fit my color scheme in the “TV Room,” and a queen size, platform bed!  On the latter, I was about to call one of those services that cost $100-$200 to come assemble the bed.  However, I decided against that option and went through the directions more than once.  The assembly instructions were in several languages.  I never found the English version.  So I studied the pictures and concluded, “I can do this!”  Eighteen screws and ten major pieces?  No problem!  I’ve told you before and I will reiterate what I said several months ago: “Working those puzzles in kindergarten and in the primary grades blessed kids with problem solving and reasoning skills that have paid off in many areas of life.”  As a side note, if you have young children or little grandchildren, don’t let them skip “graduating with honors” from early-age puzzle solving.  It will pay off later. 

Here is a direct note for you!  To get things put together right, make sure you refer to the directions that God has provided you with to make your effort easier and successful.  When I say, “get things put together right,” I am including such  “things” as your relationship with God, righteous living, relationship with your fellow brethren and sisters, your ravaging tendencies, your responses to temptation, and experiencing a revival of hope, a renewal of strength, an aptitude for reaching others with your witness, and raising your willingness to reveal that you have passed from death to life because you love your brothers and sisters.  Amen!  (I took the liberty of saying “Amen” for you in case you are not fully awake yet!)

How has God provided you with directions!  He has provided you – with His word!  He has provided you – with the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us and taught us, and exemplified righteous living, as well presenting us with the epitome of “greater love.”  He has provided you – with a Helper, the Holy Spirit!  He has provided you – with access to the throne of God!  Yes, we can go boldly to Him in prayer when we need more directions or when we don’t get the picture as painted in the Scriptures.  The picture being that part of studying God’s word that goes beyond “what does it say?” and “what does it mean?” and one focuses on “What does it mean to me?

I encourage you to read the directions that are applicable to the thing or things you are trying to put together right in your life.  Caution: Don’t rush into doing the fixing without doing some following of what you find in the word of God.  Have a wonderful Tuesday my friend!  Be blessed!

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.  Don’t assume that you know it all.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message Bible)

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Still committed to the climb,

Mark L. King