As we read the account of Noah and the ark from the book of Genesis, we must admire Noah for the things he did.

Here was a man living in a world full of evil. In fact the world was so wicked that the Holy Spirit directed Moses to write, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5).

It must have been difficult to be a follower of God when so much wickedness was in the world.

Noah shows us an example of faith, for in the sinful environment he lived in three important points are recorded about this patriarch: 1) “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8).

2. “…Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God” (Gen. 6:9).

3) “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he” (Gen. 6:22).

The writer of Hebrews gives even more background to this man of God.

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Heb. 11:7).

One of the great lessons from the life of Noah is that when he learned what God wanted him to do, he did it. He followed God before the need arose to build the ark. Then when God gave him the instructions on how to build the ark, he followed them without addition or subtraction.

Surely Noah had to wonder about building such a craft, but because God said to do it that was enough for Noah.

We also live in a world of wickedness. Today we need more people to be like Noah.

The world needs people who are looking to follow God, looking to find out what his will is for them and all mankind. People who when they find the truth are willing to do as it says without addition or subtraction.

Many today want to seek God on their terms, and not his. The example of Noah should show everyone that God demands we obey his will as he has given it to man.

With the attitude of some about religion today, the ark might have had six floors and a dozen doors. Surely more room and more access would make the ark more comfortable for all on board.

With all the extra room, more animals could have been accommodated. God would have to be pleased with such an effort.

WRONG! The words of Samuel to King Saul come to mind when things like this are offered as a reason to go beyond God’s instructions.

“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Sam. 15:22,23).

God expected Noah to do as he said and he expects man today to do his commands, not what man thinks God wants.