I confess I have a bad habit. When I get a new gadget I eagerly open the box and quickly separate the packing material from the product. There are frequently uninteresting extras with titles like read me first, start here, instructions and guarantee mixed in with the packing material, but that doesn’t slow me down. I quickly set all the extras aside and look for the power cord, the on/off button and eagerly start using my new gadget.
My way is quick and can provide immediate gratification. Sometimes it appears to work, only reinforcing my bad habit. Sadly, sooner or later, my gadget stops working properly or I cannot figure out how to get it to do something important. First I have to ask myself where I put the user manual? What were the details of that guarantee? How do I get support? How humiliating is that?
In my house my beloved, patient spouse saves the paperwork and has a unique storage and retrieval system. I do not understand the system. Adding insult to injury, I have to humble myself and ask where I might find the broken gadget’s user manual. This can be a really great opportunity to practice humility.
My gadget’s unexpected failure has caused me to look for, find and now try to discover the answer in the associated manual.
Many user manuals include a table of contents and sometimes a few introductory words from the manufacturer. Good manuals include a product description, technical specifications, operating instructions, safety precautions, service details and a guarantee. But if I did not take the time to read the user manual before, I sure do not want to waste time now, right? I’m in a hurry and I know what I need. Some manuals have special sections to provide answers to many common, yet immediate user needs. Why read on if the quick reference or troubleshooting section provides the answer I need? Could reading the entire manual, carefully written by the manufacturer, provide any potential benefit? Could the original equipment manufacturer possibly provide me with any significant insights or tips? After all, I am the user. Everything revolves around me, doesn’t it?
As I read my gadget’s user manual I learn that my failure to carefully follow the instructions may not only cause damage but also affect the conditions of the product’s guarantee.
Arrogance, a know-it-all attitude and reckless practices almost always produce poor results for me. If only I had read the instruction manual before I tried to use my gadget! Have you ever had a similar experience?
The user manual may have more than one name. Some call it an owner’s manual, an instruction manual, a user handbook, an operator’s guide, or even a bible. Regardless of the name, most of these resources can provide authoritative information.
The Bible has many names. Some call it the Holy Scripture, Holy Writ, Scripture, sacred writings, the Book, the Good Book, the Message or the Word. I lovingly call it my User Manual. I avoid referring to the Bible as an owner’s manual and choose to call it my User Manual. After reading it I do not believe I can truthfully claim to be the owner of anything. I am just a user.
The Creator, and original equipment manufacturer of absolutely everything, is the authoritative author of my User Manual. He has patiently prepared critical information for every human user with the unique detail and knowledge that only an original equipment manufacturer can possess. My User Manual is a collection of books and letters from the Creator.
All user manuals may have followed the example given in the Bible. It, too, contains an introduction, safety precautions, product description, technical specifications, operating instructions, service details, and contact information for unlimited support.
The Bible’s introduction, wisely called Genesis, describes our origin, our beginning, our nature, composition and very important technical specifications. My User Manual, the Bible, also gives complete details regarding the Creator’s guarantee and His conditions.
This is important. I cannot expect you to take my word on this. You should find your User Manual. It is available in almost every language and many translations. I recommend one that begins with Genesis and whose final section is marked Revelation. I carry several copies with me. My smartphone has never been smarter.
If you really want to impress everyone you may want to start in the helpful tips section marked Proverbs. This section is full of wisdom, and when I follow the instructions it makes even me very, very wise.
One of my personal favorites is the written lifetime guarantee contained in the section marked John, in the 16th verse of the third chapter. Take a look for yourself and pay attention to the conditions of this unique guarantee.
I now realize, and humbly acknowledge, I lived the first part of my life without reading my User Manual in its entirety. I was in a hurry. I ignored important instructions from the Creator. The results were predictably poor.
Find your User Manual. Read it. Believe it. Practice it by faithfully following the instructions. Join a group of users who know the value of The User Manual. The results will exceed your greatest expectations!
Beware of counterfeits.