Everything we buy has an owner’s manual. It doesn’t matter what it is; it could be a new car or a kitchen blender. Of course, you also get those seemingly idiotic warnings about not using electrical items in the bathtub or not sticking your head into a plastic bag because you could suffocate. It may sound ridiculous to us, but the truth is that it happened to someone, or it wouldn’t be on a warning label!
The Owner's Manual
Some say that it would be nice if life came with an owner’s manual. Good news! It does! When I got serious about my Christian journey, I realized I needed to read the owner’s manual, aka the Bible. Honestly, it turned out to be the greatest owner’s manual ever written! It teaches a wide range of skills and principles for living. Not only does it have guidelines for us as individuals, but also for marriage and family, running a business, setting up civil government, setting up churches, and more.
Rules, Rules, and More Rules!
While many people view it as nothing more than a rulebook that sucks all the fun out of life, I disagree. If you fall in that category, I present to you the following:
In the past week, have you driven or ridden in a vehicle? Did you or the driver do any of the following: Run stop signs? Drive on the side of the road you felt like? Ignore traffic signals? Pass school buses with flashing red lights? I’m guessing probably not. Had you or the driver done that, at the very least, you would have a pile of tickets; at the very worst, you, another driver, or innocent bystanders could have been killed.
Have you been in a grocery store, a coffee shop, or any retail center? If so, did you take anything you wanted and walk out the door, or did you stop and pay for it? Did you wait your turn in line, or did you push your way to the front in front of others? Again, probably not. The point is, we are constantly governed by rules, no matter what we are doing.
Bible Rules...
Many people know some of the basic rules of the Bible, Such as not committing murder, theft, lying, or having sex outside of marriage. For example’s sake, I’m going to pick on not having sex outside of marriage. What if everyone in the United States followed that one rule? What would it look like? I’m glad you asked! All children would be born into a home with two parents – obviously, someone could die before birth, but let’s pretend they don’t.
A look at the 2020 US Census statistics shows that 33% of children live without a father in the home. It may be that the parents never married, separated/divorced, died, or are incarcerated. Of those children:
- 85% of fatherless children get involved in crime
- 70% will drop out of high school
- 4 times more likely to live in poverty
- Girls are 8 times more likely to be a teen mom
- 85% have behavioral disorders
What about those with fathers in their lives? (I do understand that they may not be married, but are great dads) These children are:
- 80% less likely to go to prison
- 70% less likely to become pregnant
- 40% less likely to repeat a grade
God knew what He was doing when He instituted families, and statistics can shift according to His rules. I’m not ignorant, and I don’t think being born into a two-parent household can change all the ills of society, BUT I do believe that if moms and dads go God’s way and pursue healing for their old wounds, they will be the cycle-breakers for their children! The way to do this is to read the Owner’s Manual and follow its instructions.
As I said in my last blog, we need to read the Bible. That is the ultimate owner’s manual that taught me how to navigate life.
Until next time under the palm, be blessed!
