Do you know what a Check Engine Light is for? Not like a woman who drove in once with the light on, and said she had lifted the hood and the engine was there-so the light must be wrong. Do you know? In a world of a computer controlled cars-since the late 80's they have been to a certain extent, today cars function as a computer controlled machine. And when they work, it is a beautiful thing. For example-
Think of your car as self tuning. It is designed to run within certain parameters, and the engine control unit makes adjustments based on input from various sensors. This goes on 100's of times per second, all without your knowledge. If it can't bring the car into the specs, a check engine light comes on, telling the car I cannot fix the problem. I have done all I am trained to do, and it isn't enough. Say 1-10 are your parameters. A 10.1 or a .9 will set the light. May not be catastrophic, but is still outside of the parameters set. So you have two fixes available-find the cause, which component is defective, or change the parameters.
And not just anyone can solve the problem. Any shop can buy the scanner, but only the factory with its training and updates know what to do. And in many cases, they just change the parameters-software updates they are referred too. And if you are not in the factory loop, you don't know about them-so you cannot fix the problem, or eliminate the symptom.
Human beings have a check engine light also, it is called a conscience. It is installed by God at birth, and how we deal with life shows how effectively it works. It is there to tell us when we are going wrong-sinning, and to warn us of problems ahead if we don't deal with it. And like a car, you have two solutions. One-note the sin, repent, and don't repeat it-turning off the light. Or change the parameters, most popular choice-it isn't your fault, and you can blame someone else, and still maintain your sinful life. Going on as if nothing is wrong, but the creator, God knows. He warns-a little leaven will go through the whole loaf, leaven referring to sin. Sadly I have watched as so-called good men succumb to it.
You see it can be harmful to warn others of sin. It upsets them-hurts their pride. Which can reduce membership numbers, and reflects in income. So what if morals are changed-we will make rules. And given the choice, I'll stick with my morals-you can have your rules. And as I look around, I find that morals can put you in a isolated situation, but your isolation is with God.
Did you know that you, and God are a majority? That following Him may be tough, but sure beats second? And you will never find joy and blessings without Him?
Jus a simple, misunderstood light, that can cause so much trouble. Is your light on today? Or is Jesus that light? Long after patting ourselves on the back about growth, income, and bragging on what we did, God is still patient, and the light is still on. A check engine light rarely leaves you stuck, but sin will. Take the time now, and see why the light is on, and why the light of Jesus isn't.
True believers, those who really seek God will find Him. And it may be inconvenient. The rest of you, the light is on, but no Holy spirit is home. Your comfort zone isn't in the spirit. So keep making those adjustments for sin, and to sin. Follow the party line, not the straight and narrow one. Miss the message, and so shoot the messenger. You see when asked, "where did you receive those wounds?" Jesus replied, "in the house of my friends." And sadly, many of us bear the marks like Jesus, from so-called Christian clubs or churches, or worse yet, individuals claiming "in His service." Woe to them, for He also says, "be gone, I never knew you." Harsh words, but truth-they never knew Him either. Knowing about Him doesn't matter.
Only in Christ, can you "do all things." Not your will, but His. When I am weakest, He is strongest. His power is perfection and shows more in my weakness. Truly His grace is sufficient.
Sin-living outside God's parameters. In His mercy He wants you to reunite with Him. And only in grace, His grace, can you. No self help, works, attendance, or giving can earn it. It's a gift. His truth will set you free? Have I made you my enemy by telling you the truth?
Let God be true, and every man a liar.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com