Maintenance Needed

I’m nearing the 40K mile check-up on my car. That means an oil change, tire rotation, and usual maintenance. We maintain our cars to avoid breakdowns. We need to apply maintenance to our souls.

If our lives feel sluggish and unresponsive to God’s voice, it is probably time for a spiritual tune-up. Imagine if our lives had "maintenance needed" indicators because we are slow-starting, sluggish, wacky noises (a complaining and lack-of-gratitude attitude) that signal a needed tune-up! Oh, we DO have that indicator – Holy Spirit!

God created us to run like a perfectly tuned engine: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

We are God’s possessions, and He wants us running well! Routine maintenance is easy to find in personal daily devotions, Bible studies, and weekly church attendance. That’s like changing wiper blades and rotating tires. Sometimes, we need the specialized care that only our “Dealer” can provide.

Spending time in praise and worship is a way of tuning up our engine! I've even been tuned up by reading some of my friends' encouraging social media posts. In fact, it was my daughter's post a few days ago, that gave me a new perspective for loving the unlovely.

Routine maintenance is essential. Our souls need “daily bread” -- time with God each day. If you’re reading my blog, you understand the importance of having little talks with Jesus throughout your day.

Jesus knew He needed God’s divine wisdom and help to keep His “engine” running. Luke writes, “In these days He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night He continued in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:46) Have we followed His lead and retreated to having time with God in our daily routines?

Is it time for the “extended maintenance warranty package”? I’m asking that for my car and my soul. Our Mechanic is always at work in us to keep us running strong. The Apostle Paul wrote, “And I am sure of this, that He Who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

Our “cars” will be maintenance-free in heaven. But, until then, may we hear and respond to the Holy Spirit's "maintenance needed" indicators, ensuring we are always ready to serve and shine for our Creator. Let’s keep our engines running smoothly knowing that our ultimate Mechanic has us in His capable hands.