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 as a Community Group leader
and a High School home group leader.
