I read a story some time ago about a young girl who, in the excitement of the arcade, misunderstood her dad’s instructions. She had been given a twenty-dollar bill and instructed to get change in the amount of one ten and two fives. She mistakenly took the change and used it for quarters.

This reminds me that I need to work on being clearer with others. Most of all it reminds me that God is always clear in what He expects of us. He doesn’t try to confuse us or mislead us; instead, His directions are clear as day. There are times when others would like to confuse the issues, but God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33).

Life often presents us with moments of miscommunication, sometimes even humorous ones like the story of the young girl and the twenty-dollar bill. Her actions stemmed not from disobedience, but from a lack of complete clarity in his instructions. It’s a gentle reminder for us all: clear communication is essential in our relationships.

But even more profoundly, this story points us to the nature of our Heavenly Father. Unlike our sometimes-muddled directions, God’s guidance for our lives is marked by unmistakable clarity. Through His Word, the Bible, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ, God has revealed His love, His expectations for us, our purpose in this life, and the path to eternal life.

Consider the powerful clarity of John 3:16, declaring God’s immense love in sending His Son. Reflect on the clear call to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Ponder the foundational truths of our creation (Genesis 1-2) and our ultimate purpose to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). And find comfort in the clear promise of a place prepared for us in heaven through faith in Jesus (John 14:3, 6).

Just as we wouldn’t expect someone to follow unclear directions, we must recognize that God has spoken plainly. Hebrews 1:1-2 reminds us that God has spoken to us through His Son. Our response, then, is one of obedience and trust (John 14:15).

Furthermore, as recipients of this clear and life-giving truth, we are also called to be clear in our interactions with others. We cannot assume that those around us understand God’s will. We are called to share the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), speaking truthfully and lovingly so that others may also come to know the clarity of God’s grace and find their way to Him. Let us strive for clarity in our own communication and, more importantly, let us be grateful for the unwavering clarity of our God, who has made His love and His will known to us.