by Dr. Paul Chapell

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."

Galatians 3:10-11

God's slide rule is far more accurate than ours.

Charles Kettering was an American inventor in the early 1900s. Working in many different companies, Kettering amassed over one hundred patents for products and systems he had invented. A few of those patents were for Freon (refrigerator liquid), the electrical starting motor, Duco lacquers and enamels, automobile paint, and leaded gasoline.

Kettering also served as the head of research for General Motors for nearly three decades. During that time, he made many breakthroughs in the way automobiles were being developed. When asked how he came up with so many revolutionary ideas, Kettering said, "When I...wanted a problem solved, I'd place a table outside the meeting room with a sign: 'Leave slide rules here.' If I didn't do that, I'd find someone reaching for his slide rule. Then he'd be on his feet saying, 'Boss, you can't do it.'

So often people reach for their slide rules in life to measure whether or not a system will work. Some measure through practicality, deductive reasoning, or common sense. Yet when it comes to obedience to God, we can't use our slide rules to determine our course of action.

From a young age, we've all been taught mathematics. 2 + 2 = 4. We have been taught universal rules that always add up. We've been told to think logically, solve problems through proven methods, and put to use the rules we've learned throughout our educational career. Yet sometimes God's answers to our problems transcend our limited logic.

Trusting an unseen God to solve a seen problem is so foreign to us; it's no wonder so many people buck at the idea. Why would God, with the expanses of problems He deals with and the enormous task of governing the world, attend to my insignificant problem? With this reasoning, many people choose to trust themselves and their slide rules rather than living by faith.

Have you noticed that the stories of those who saw God's greatest blessings were those who refused to use their slide rules? Moses didn't believe a large sea was a barrier. David refused to believe a giant five times his size could defeat him. The three Hebrew children weren't convinced being thrown into fire would kill them. The New Testament lad didn't care that five loaves and two fishes couldn't feed thousands of people. They all set aside their slide rules and trusted God.

How often has your slide rule gotten in the way of your faith? God doesn't use a slide rule to measure His ability. He wants you to throw out your slide rule and choose to trust that the Ruler of the Universe can and will meet your needs. Obey God even when His commands conflict with your reasoning, and you will find that His slide rule is far more accurate than your own.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 7-9 | Mark 11:19-33