Our Manual the Bible

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

When we buy a car, a washing machine or any appliance, it comes with a manual from the manufacturer or we can download one from the internet. The maker would know best how to give instructions for its use and how to take care of our purchase. Usually the manual will start with: Please read all instructions before using. 

The Bible is our manual. Just as a lot of people are too lazy to read the manual for their purchase, many prefer to go through life without reading the instructions from our Maker. It’s a pity because the instructions usually come with a promise or promises. In Matthew, Jesus tells us that if we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the prisoners and the sick, He considers it a favor to Him, and the reward is eternal life. 

In the first reading from Leviticus 19, the instructions are about what we should never do. “Do not steal. Do not lie. Be fair. Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s life is at stake. Do not take revenge.” We can see how all this is contrary to the world’s ways. There is a battle being fought, a battle not only on earth, but more fiercely, in the spiritual realm. For instance, I cannot imagine how a majority of people accept abortion. Almost 42 million babies, “our neighbors”, were aborted worldwide last year alone. Or how a Mayor in this country can actually garner support for her Senatorial slate by saying honesty is not an issue in the coming election. To her, honesty is not a moral character issue!  I suppose neither is stealing and being fair. 

We can be sure that when we read the Bible, God’s Word, we will have a clear mind about what is right and what is wrong. We will not be swayed by influential leaders or politicians or even TV preachers.