Posted Signs!

Following directions, in just about anything, means to do what is specifically stated.

If we follow the directions given, whether baking a cake, or trying to get from one destination to another, we can usually accomplish our goals without incident.  However, when we decide to "ignore" the posted or stated directions or signs, we invite trouble into our lives.

For instance, the posted speed limits, in just about any city, indicate the maximum speed allowed in that vicinity.  When we ignore those posted signs and get pulled over by ambitious police officers, some of us tend to get angry with them, instead of ourselves.

When there are posted signs on a highway indicating construction or impending lane  changes, people ignore them, wait until they reach the end of the open lane and then try to force their way into the right lane, getting angry with the people who moved over when they first saw the signs.

When we mess up a recipe by using alternate ingredients and then don't get what we expected, we get irritated because we didn't follow the directions.

When students don't follow directions in a classroom given by the teacher, they tend to get angry and rebellious with the teacher when they fail a test or the class.

"Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or the left that you may be successful wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7 NIV).

Our success depends upon our ability to "follow the posted signs" on a highway, in the neighborhoods, in a cook book, and especially the Bible. When we are not successful in those things we attempt to do, perhaps we need to evaluate whether or not, we've been following the directions given for success, and not blame others for our lack of success.

If we don't want to pay for traffic tickets, we must obey the signs or written instructions for driving.  If we want the food we cook to look and taste right, we must follow the recipe.  If we want good grades in a classroom setting, we must follow the instructions given. If we want God to bless what we do, we must follow His instructions in order to get the success He has promised. Pay attention to the posted signs--no matter where they are posted.

Help us, O God, to understand Your instructions and to follow them on a daily basis. Open our spiritual eyes and ears so we may hear and see what lies ahead of us so we can move into the right lane, accomplishing our goals without incident or anger.