Articles
“Following the Instructions”
By Don Case
Before GPS it was often said that men never stopped for directions. Buying something new is a problem when it comes with instructions for assembly. Why is it so difficult to follow instructions? God has provided us with an instruction manual not only for salvation but to guide our lives.
God's word should be our source for problem solving and sometimes health issues. A large number of ailments are the direct results of worry, bitterness, and the failure to follow biblical health principles. An example of God's direct teaching is his instructions to control anger. Psalm 37:8 says, "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Do not fret it only causes harm." Proverbs 15:1 tells us, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Doctors today say that anger can cause an elevation in blood pressure, gastric upset, and headaches. Prolonged problems in this area may even lead to ulcers, heart conditions and other diseases.
Researchers have told us that tobacco use contributes to lung cancer, excessive alcohol consumption leads to liver dysfunction and street drugs can lead to brain damage. These practices abuse our bodies, and in I Corinthians 3:17 there is a warning, "If any man defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." In Leviticus 11 God gave the Jewish nation detailed instructions on diet, personal hygiene, and purification techniques. God stresses the necessity for sexual abstinence before marriage and monogamy thereafter. Following this teaching is the best solution to many social problems and several transmitted diseases. Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Our society can avoid, minimize, or eliminate many ailments if we would only apply God's principles. Not all illnesses are preventable but some are caused when God's instructions are ignored. When the Israelites' did not follow God's instructions they found themselves being killed, defeated in battle and sometimes held in captivity.
Anyone with military background understands the concepts of discipline and following orders. We all have laws that we must follow including federal, state, municipal and even associations rules, none more significant than God's commandments. Ignoring His laws can be sinful, dangerous, unhealthy and perilous to our souls.
Let's Follow God's Instruction Manual
