Follow the Recipe
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Do not add to what I
command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your
God that I give you.”
Deuteronomy 4:2 (NIV)
I once attended a kitchen demonstration by an
“Iron Chef” from the Food Network©. The recipe for each dish was handed out to
the audience beforehand. At the top of the main dish ingredients was listed “2
tablespoons Ararat.” Now I know my way around a kitchen, but I’m by no means a
gourmet. The ingredient “ararat” is NOT in my food vocabulary. I was determined
to pay extra attention when this dish was put together so I would know what I
needed. The chef came out and eventually started working on the entrée. No
“ararat” appeared. One brave audience member finally asked, “What’s ararat and
when do you use it?” To which the chef replied, “I’ve never heard of
ararat - - what are you talking about?” Turns out the ingredient
listed doesn’t exist, and was an error made as files were exchanged in
cyberspace!
If I take a recipe from an “Iron Chef” and add
or subtract ingredients, it is no longer the chef’s recipe, it’s my own
concoction. The same thing applies with God’s Word. God didn’t leave anything
out when He inspired the writers of the Bible. He didn’t “forget” parts of the
recipe. In spiritual principles, we are supposed to follow what is written...in
the Bible, not our own ideas. Likewise, as His followers, we aren’t supposed to
ignore any “ingredients”…His instructions for living His way. Adding or
subtracting from the recipe might get you an edible meal, but it won’t be the
same dish that the Chef wanted you to make.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you find yourself believing
something about God but you don’t know why you believe it? Look to
His Word today to make sure it’s actually in the Bible. If you’re not sure
where to start, try www.biblegateway.com/topical for a
keyword search.
FURTHER READING:
Along with caring for her family, Carolyn
works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church’s Student
Ministries with an awesome group of junior high girls.
