The Bible: God's Instruction Manual for Life
- Richard Selke
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 19
July 30, 2025
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When our daughters were young, my grandmother gave them a swing set for their birthday. But it came unassembled, in one big box. One Sunday afternoon around 5:00, I hauled that box out into the back yard and dumped all the parts onto the lawn. Before I started putting it together, I thought it might be a good idea to read the instructions. At the top of the first page, in bold capital letters it read:
“WARNING! IF IT’S 5:00 O’CLOCK ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON,
DO NOT START ASSEMBLING THIS SWING SET!”
Those instructions spoke directly to me in the moment!
Another time, I was out on an early morning run when traffic was light. I approached Shepherd Drive, a one-way street clearly posted with “ONE WAY” and “WRONG WAY” signs. I looked in the direction of traffic and saw no cars. I stepped into the intersection and suddenly, was almost run over by a car – going the wrong way!
Those two occurrences remind me of two facts of life: signs are here for a reason and warnings are here to protect us. We ignore them at our own peril and, sometimes, other’s peril.
Today we’re surrounded by noise. Misinformation. Disinformation. Half-truths. Outright lies. Media spins. Culture wars. Spiritual confusion. In a world so full of wrong turns and misleading signals, how do we know which way is right?
Some things in life are mysterious and uncertain and we really do just have to figure them out for ourselves. But on the most important matters – right and wrong, life and death, hope and salvation – God has not left us guessing. He has given us His Word.
Just as we have manuals for our televisions, computers, iPhones, cars and coffee makers, God has given us an instruction manual for life – the Holy Bible.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105, NIV
The Bible doesn’t just tell us what to do – it tells us Who to follow. It points us to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived, died and rose again so that we might have eternal life with Him. The Bible is not merely a rulebook or a collection of ancient writings. It is God’s living Word – active, powerful and deeply personal. It can speak directly to us in the moment.
I once heard this acronym that has stuck with me:
B – Basic
I – Instructions
B – Before
L – Leaving
E – Earth
The Bible is not just a historical document - it’s a guide for the here and now, and for what comes after. It not only teaches us God’s truth and wisdom about how to live in this world, but also prepares us for life in eternity. It helps us live wisely, love deeply and walk humbly with our God.
The Christian Bible was written over 1,500 years by about 40 different authors from diverse backgrounds and cultures – shepherds, kings, prophets, fishermen who became apostles and sinners who became saints. It contains 66 books spanning history, poetry, wisdom, law, teachings, prophecies, prayers, worship, gospel and revelation. And at the center of it all is Jesus Christ.
The Bible is the most translated and widely distributed book in human history. Why? Because it contains the Truth: the story of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His covenant relationship with humanity – His promise of redemption and eternal life with Him in heaven for all who believe in Jesus Christ.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV
I have found the Bible to truly be a living document that speaks differently to me at different times depending on the then current circumstances of my life. Have you noticed that too? It’s not a book to be read once and put on the shelf. It’s the book we return to daily, again and again. The same passage that once conforted us in sorrow may one day convict us in complacency, or call us to action in love. That’s because God still speaks to us through His Word.
As the best manual for life, it might be a good idea to read the instructions! Open your Bible. Ask God to speak into your life. He will.
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, read your Bible.
It's more than a manual - it's a message of love to you from your Creator!
QUESTION
What might God be saying to you today through His Word?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us the gift of Scripture. Your Word, alive and active, a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. Help us to read it not just with our eyes, but with open hearts. Teach us what is true. Warn us when we wander. Show us how to live in a way that honors You. Lead us by Your Spirit, and draw us ever closer to Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24, ESV
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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