First read the directions is a common sense admonition. So often we have proven the wisdom of the counsel when we did not follow it. Not all instruction sheets are very well-written. It is a real skill to write clear and complete instructions. Experienced workers can leave out an “obvious” step because they are so used to the process. We first-timers may not find the missing step at all obvious. Words may have differing meanings. We may find a recipe which ends with the line, “cook until done.” The beginner finds such instruction frustrating, at best.
For the growing Christian, reading the instructions in the Bible can save a multitude of mistakes. Generally the Bible’s directions are clear even if we don’t want to obey them, but some do require us to think through their meaning. Scripture says, “What does the Lord require of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” The direction is quite clear but we may well spend a lifetime working out the details of such commands. We must not only do what this verse instructs but must always stay open to its ever-evolving meanings.