day 227: Follow The Instructions

My father used to say me, "When all else fails, follow the instructions". That has stuck with me over the years, especially when I am in the midst of a project that is hard and complicated. Somewhere, there are instructions that can be followed, if we just think back hard enough to remember what and where they are. Even at work we are given instructions all the time on what to do, but I have found that many people tune out during the instructional moments and then the work comes back either not totally completed as requested, or in more cases than not, overdone in some way with work that was not necessary or actually valuable. And while, as a manager, you thank the person for the extra work, what you really want to say, is "had you listened and written down what we talked about then you wouldn't have had to do these extras that I can't use anyway". The other thing that happens is that a manager will assign a task and not give clear directions, or any instruction at all, and since we want to be great employees showing initiative, run off into the dark and get to work without really knowing what is being asked from us. So, we guess, and then we bring back the work and guess what? Not surprisingly, it's not exactly what was needed so we have to rework what we have done. We don't feel good about that and our managers don't feel good about it either. All that needed to happen was before we left the room the first time the task was assigned was ask some simple questions like, "what will this be used for", "who will be using this", "how specific or general do you want this?", "when is this due?", etc. You get the gist. It is about receiving and following instructions to make our work easier and make us more productive. Being good at following instructions and directions is Biblical. In Proverbs 16:20 we are told: "Those who listen to instruction will prosper". There you have it. Being open and willing to receive and listen to instruction is a path to take when in doubt. The verse also goes on to say that "those who trust the Lord will be joyful." The greatest instruction manual of all time is in front of us with the gift we have of God's word. We should never be in doubt with directions that God has given us. So, when you are on the job and there are not any instructions or directions to follow and you are in doubt, fall back on God's directions and listen and receive them as He provides them to you. We all tend to think that God wants us only to go to Him for the biggest of problems. Don't forget that He knows that your work and job is "very big" to you and that He wants you to bring Him your work issues just like all other issues in your life. He wants to give you all the instruction that you will ever need. Then it is up to us to listen and receive. Start today practicing taking in instruction from God and from others and see if things don't start getting better!

Reference: Proverbs 16:20 (New Living Testament)