Calibration

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (Ps 19:7-13 NIV) 

My wife manages a resale shop. Since most of the items they sell are used, they have to figure out an appropriate price. Set too low a price, and not enough money is brought in to support the mission of the organization. Set it too high, and customers won’t buy and, worse yet, not return.

There are guidelines, but a lot of it is by feel. Blouses are $3 but which makers should be marked higher? Some couches are old and only worth $50 but others can fetch $150. Fortunately, Tina has a good feel for how to price items. The only way for her to teach others is to work alongside and show them. After a while, most are able to get the hang of it.

However, she finds that over time, even long-time employees will slip and start consistently over-pricing items. I think the reason for this is that they do most of their shopping at retail locations. They get used to the higher prices and their prices at the thrift store start to rise. At this point, Tina again works alongside them to, as I like to call it, “re-calibrate” them. Unlike a machine where you only have to turn a dial to get it back into balance, a human being takes time to get adjusted. 

How much Bible reading does a long-time Christian need? I have been saved for 37 years. I have read the Bible in its entirety multiple times. I have studied large sections of it in great depth. I have received as much education as possible and have the highest degree I could attain in Biblical studies. I can read it in the original languages and preach it so that my listeners come away with a great understanding of its truths. 

So, if anyone could “get away” with not reading the Bible regularly, you might think that I could. But you would be wrong. 

When I read the Bible, it’s not often that some new insight or unexpected passage pops up for me; most of it is a reminder. But I need to be re-calibrated. Everyday this world bombards me with messages that are quite different, and often contradictory, to the Gospel. I know better, but if I have not spent time in the Word, I can find that some contrary ideas and attitudes can slip into my mind.  

I am in constant need of re-calibration and the Bible is the tool for the job. I am reminded of how different God’s ways are. I again realize that I am in this world but not part of its system. I begin to think more as a spiritual man than as an earth-bound one. 

Read the Bible daily, if not to learn something, then to be re-calibrated.