Years ago, I lived in a small Ozark town that featured a university with an engineering emphasis. The ‘engineering’ students came from all over the world, and I loved how they approached everything in their lives. They were logical thinkers and liked to develop and live by rules. Whenever they created a machine or worked on a project, they developed ‘design parameters.’ A ‘design parameter’ was a set of guidelines on how to use and maintain whatever machine they were building. When the user follows those parameters, the machine...
Years ago, I lived in a small Ozark town that featured a university with an engineering emphasis. The ‘engineering’ students came from all over the world, and I loved how they approached everything in their lives. They were logical thinkers and liked to develop and live by rules. Whenever they created a machine or worked on a project, they developed ‘design parameters.’ A ‘design parameter’ was a set of guidelines on how to use and maintain whatever machine they were building. When the user follows those parameters, the machine performs at its best and lasts a long time; if you ignore those parameters, performance will suffer, and premature failure is a real possibility. I have thought about that often!
The Bible teaches us that God is our Creator and that we are to live as He guides us. In my mind, God’s instructions for life are similar in concept to the ‘design parameters’ the engineers wrote for the use of their machines. When we live according to those parameters, our lives are better, more fulfilling, and more useful to God. When we ignore those parameters, though, our lives will suffer, and we will miss out on the blessings God intends for us to have!
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us some of God’s ‘design parameters’ for our lives. For instance, one of those parameters is often called ‘The Golden Rule,’ and simply states, “However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) This is a very simple and practical guide for all our relationships! It works like this: If you don’t want to be lied to, don’t lie to others. If you want to be treated fairly and with respect, do that with others.
In almost all interactions with others, this simple ‘parameter’ can make a huge difference in our lives! One other teaching was the instruction to decide to walk “the narrow way” instead of “the wide way.” (vv.13-14) This meant choosing to live as God has directed instead of living as everyone else around you.
Be more thoughtful and ‘sober-minded’ towards life and relationships, live to please God and make your faith a priority in your life. This kind of life is one that God can bless and will bring you joy.
God wants to bless you and use you for His Kingdom’s purpose! How you live determines if that will happen. Choose to live a life that pleases God and follows his instruction for your life. It is the very best life you can live!
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