How do we know the things God says are right? This is a basic question with a basic answer. Read the word of God, the instruction book, the Bible to learn the commands of the Lord.

I’m going to be accused of being politically incorrect because the first example that comes to mind is of a man trying to find something, or put something together. Girls, do they EVER read the directions or look at the map? Right. Only when all else fails. “Men,” we sigh, roll our eyes, and exchange that pained, understanding look.

Fortunately, most men will admit this failing to ask directions with a sheepish smile. We all need to read the directions first. Yet we are all prone to act first and deal with the consequences later.

This may be okay with unimportant things, but preparing for eternal life requires instruction-lots of instruction. And if you won’t read the rules first, grasp the essentials, and act on them, you are in trouble.

We all make mistakes as we try to follow the guidelines. But we must pick ourselves up, dust off, look over the dotted line on the treasure map of life again, and trudge on for the prize where “x” marks the spot.