While I was folding clothes this morning I noticed something odd about my son’s new socks. The still bright white athletic sock had a bold red “R” stitched prominently on the toe. I pulled its mate from the dryer and there it was: a bold red “L!”
I don’t know about you, but this was a new one for me. However my husband – who really does know almost everything – declared he had seen that before and “yes, they do make some socks that fit more naturally to your left and right feet.” Go figure. It takes an engineer to inform me about “fitted socks.”
How helpful! The manufacturer put instructions on the socks. The little red “L” means: “Put this one on your left foot.” And the little red “R” means: “Put this one on your right foot.”
Wouldn’t it be great if the Christian life was like that? It would sure be easier and less stressful if God sent step-by-step instructions with every opportunity or decision? What I would really like is a detailed email. It could be in my inbox each morning with everything I need for that day. “Say yes to this and no to that.” “Don’t even think about going there!” And so on. Yes, that would be great!
But wait. According to 2 Peter 1:3, God has already given us “everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him…” This means that God has already provided all I need to know to live the life He requires and the power to do it.
First, the Bible is “a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). God reveals Himself and His ways to us in His Word. Studying His commands and character will equip us with knowledge and wisdom to make godly decisions. The trouble is we actually have to read and study it. Remember the man whose “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night?” He is “like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither” (Psalm 1:2-3). I want to be like that.
Second, God has given us His Spirit. If you have been born again, you have the Holy Spirit residing within you. His presence is so precious that Jesus told the disciples it was better for Him to leave them so the Spirit could come (John 16:7). The Spirit, our Counselor, guides us into all truth. He whispers to us what He hears from the Father (John 16:13). The Spirit also works through us with the same power that raised Christ from the dead! (Eph 1:19-21; Eph 3:7; Col 1:29)
Third, we have the church, the body of Christ. God intends for every Christian to be a connected, active member of a local church. Not only do we have a place of service, but it is there that we are prepared and equipped for service and built up and matured in the faith.
The Word. The Spirit. The Church. Everything we need for life and godliness. Are you missing any of these?
You are right, Kathy. He has given us all we need this side of heaven.
Although a detailed daily email would not be bad at all…in addition.
Didn’t know about the socks with L and R – neat 🙂
Iris, I agree! I need as much reinforcement as possible!