Time for a spiritual oil change
Time for an oil change
It’s that time again. Every 3 months or so I have the oil changed in my car, and at this point it is expired. Honestly, I’ve missed a few things, so not only does the oil need to be changed, the pumpkins (rear diff) need lube, the spark plugs need to be changed, and the whole engine needs a good tune up. I know that if I neglect it much longer, the car will start to growl, misfire, stall, and eventually break down on the side of the road.
Spiritually I am in the same place as my car these days. I’m about to have an “oil change”. In my case, I have to take a break from my routine. Instead of checking email and Facebook every morning, I need to open my email from God and sit in the presence of his face. I see my life floundering and failing because I have been skimping on my quiet time, reading commentaries instead of studying the scriptures, and rushing to pray instead of enjoying the Son.
In a bass a few days ago I took out my Bible. It was under 2 books and an alarm clock and has been there for an embarrassingly long time. (In my carnal defense, it’s so thick my injured arm hurts carrying it, so I’ve been reading it on my iPhone.) I opened the cover and a page of notes fell out. For the past 13 years, the Lord has given me words of encouragement for my son who is battling a benign tumor. This is the page that fell…
It’s funny how the Lord works, those promises given to my son, written in my own handwriting, now spoke a lot to my heart. It was like a warm healing oil bathing my heart.
Well, just as my car needs more than an oil change, my soul needs more than a brief encounter with a piece of paper. I need to tune up spiritually. So I’m going to delve into the word. I hope to have some filters to change. I’ve been watching too much TV lately. I know I need new spark plugs. My body needs more exercise. For me, there is nothing much sweeter than walking in prayer.
I encourage you to also take a good look at your own spiritual vehicle. Are you going down the path of scripture like me? Neglect the only one who can keep you going? Filling up on cheap substitutes; like television?
Start your tune up today! Christians should never be left stranded on the side of the road of their own lives through neglect, Amen?
Enough for now, I have to call Jiffy Lube and get my car fixed so I don’t need to call you for a ride!