|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 28, 2009 MAINT REQD |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, January 28, 2009 by Penny Risen
I Corinthians 15: 33 "Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships and associations corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character." The Amplified Bible
Sputtering, stalling, slow starting, knocking --- the symptoms of a car in dire need of service. Maybe we've ignored the not so subtle signs, but it's tough to ignore the dreaded "red warning light." How many guilty drivers' hearts have sunk upon seeing this blink on next to the speedometer?
My Toyota's warning about how seriously it needed attention even put it in writing; "MAINT REQD" it blinked on my dashboard in caution-yellow. This sedan was telling me maintenance was required, after I'd ignored the normal signs of trouble. I hadn't followed the timed tune-up advice, nor did I heed the courtesy card that arrived in my mail as a reminder for service. So, here I was staring at MAINT REQD as I drove to work and back, to the store, to church, before I could schedule an appointment at the mechanic. How much damage was done while warnings were ignored? Both car and owner felt better when what required attention was found and was taken care of.
How easy it is to forget what is important to maintain in life, whether it's a car or a relationship or moral standards. Our "warning lights" against sin can dim to a flicker, if we don't keep clear of bad influences. When we play games, become selfish, indulge in destructive habits or associations that can only damage our investment in a positive, fruitful life, we dishonor not only ourselves but also the One who created us and cares for us.
We must guard our hearts against evil, warns the passage in Corinthians. By ignoring the need to surround ourselves with good character and morals, we turn our backs on God's law and His covenant of resurrection. Respect for life's warnings that maintenance is required can only help to heal our souls. How will we maintain the awesome gifts we've been granted by God?
We need to pray, to seek Christian fellowship, accept the sacraments, and to study Scriptures. We also need to share love, to show compassion, and to spread His good news in our words and actions. When we strive do this, maintain a good relationship with our Lord, we can humbly kneel in grace and accept His forgiveness --- instead of standing defiantly in sin and living a life in serious need of some spiritual repair.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, You have mended me so many times when I've been broken. Help me to see the warning signs if I'm in danger of drifting away from you. Let me draw near to a better way, and to seek the fellowship of solid, spiritual support and learning. Amen.
|
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |
|||||||||||
