Where is it that you get/receive your instructions in life? As a child, we receive our instruction from our parents. In work, we receive our instruction from those who came before us or who are above us. In other areas, we receive our instruction from our mentors or coaches. In all things, we receive our instruction from another.
“23For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,” – 1 Corinthians 11:23 (ESV)
Paul received from the LORD that which he passed on. If you remember, Saul (Paul’s former name) was a staunch persecutor of Christ followers. He followed the law of man, to the letter to the point of approving of death to disciples of Jesus. He got his instruction from the law of the old covenant and through his learning. And then he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his life was changed forever.
Jesus revealed Himself to Paul (Saul at the time) and everything changed. Paul found a new place to receive his instruction. That new place was from the LORD Jesus Himself. Paul turned to Jesus and His teachings to lead him through his life. Paul found himself on the other side of the same law that he once used against those who followed Jesus. Paul began to follow the instruction of his heavenly father and there he found peace.
We each receive our instruction from someone or somewhere. That someone or somewhere have a great life changing influence in our lives. There is no greater someone to receive instruction than from the LORD. Paul made a 180 degree turn once he learned of Jesus (granted his learning of Jesus was very dramatic and would likely turn most people). His instruction was now coming from the best.
I have found that the instruction from the LORD is purer than any other instruction I could receive. Yes, we still need instruction to do work in the world like how to ride a bike or filter a spreadsheet or repair the washing machine. But the instruction related to what gives us life should come from the LORD and no other. For that we look to the instruction manual that He has given us, His Word. From the Bible, we receive our instruction from the LORD.
Where are you getting your instruction? Are you looking to the world to direct you in life? What if you were to look for the best place to get you instruction, God and His Word?
