Iegsaan Ally (email)
It is always exciting to get some new item, whether it is a kitchen appliance, cellphone, or any other hi-tech gadget.
Firstly, we take the “plug and play” approach. Trying to connect the TV, DStv, PlayStation, amplifier, speakers and a turntable, for when we feel a little “old school”, can be an exciting exercise. Then, when you are done, you press the ‘on’ button, and nothing works.
In utter frustration, you are forced to look at the manufacturer’s guide. You know that little book in the sealed plastic packet that you haven’t opened yet. That one.
That book will give you the dos and don’ts about the product you have just purchased. Some of those books make you feel as if you are doing a comprehension test at school. Only in this case you don’t lose marks, your device just doesn’t work. Sometimes the book is too technical, and you might need to phone the helpdesk or even get a technician to come to you, to help you interpret what the book explains.
Once it’s all figured out, there are still rules regarding the maintenance of the device. If you follow these rules, you will get the best out of your device and it will last for a long time.
Since human beings are the most technologically advanced item on earth, we too have a manufacturer’s guide from our Creator in the Holy Scriptures. These scriptures give us the dos and don’ts in order for us to get the best out of ourselves and last as long as possible.
Sometimes the scriptures get a little complicated and we need an expert to interpret it for us. They are generally called Rabbi, Priest, Imam, etc. They are the spiritual technicians, but they can only advise you on what to do, and cannot do it for you. You still make the final decision.
We are often taught about rewards and punishments in the scriptures, but to a large extent we create our own heaven and hell on earth.
If you honour your parents and teach your children to respect their elders, you will find that you eventually have one big happy family. Heaven. If you don’t honour and respect your parents, your children will learn from you and disrespect you, until the family cannot sit together for longer than ten minutes before world war three erupts. Hell.
Just like connecting the entertainment set, we sometimes also feel as though nothing is working for us. So if we feel that way, go to the Book, you know, the one on the shelve, that we don’t often read. That one.
Not only is it an instruction manual, but also has case studies of those before you and can comfort you in hard times. The guidance in there is purely to keep you safe, so don’t feel threatened.
Think of it this way. It’s an international bestseller from a world renowned author: your Creator.
