“Our spiritual life is like a car and, when we first believe in Jesus Christ, we receive one as a birthday present. God supplies unlimited power to our car’s super-engine. If we wish to go places in our car (spiritual life) we must first get in (1 John 1:9), turn on the ignition (faith) and place our foot on the pedals (personal motivation and drive). The steering wheel is our volition, and it is up to us in which direction we head. However, God does not leave us to drive around aimlessly – there’s a map in the glove box to direct us (Bible), but we must read it to be of any use. We also have a radio (a still, small voice) [today, GPS]; if we listen, we’ll get regular traffic reports and know which roads to avoid” (Free Christian Illustrations).
When we are given something new, we have a tendency to make sure that we take extra good care of it. Then as time goes on, we put it away, sometimes forgetting all about it, just as some of us do with our spiritual lives. If we get immersed in the Bible once we receive our “spiritual cars,” then we will know how to better handle them. For every direction in which we travel in our new cars, there are Scriptures in the Bible that will direct us as to which path to take. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
Consequently, are you taking care of your “spiritual car”? God expects you to drive your car following His directions only. He knows that the flesh in us will cause us to take wrong turns, but remember; “God allows U-turns.” Here are some suggestions to keep you on the right path in your “spiritual car”: keep it tuned up (read your Bible), energize the battery (stay mission-focused), make sure the tires are inflated (be able to run this race for the Lord), change the spark plugs when needed (have the energy needed to work the harvest), change the oil on time (maintain the temperature needed to do God’s work), and keep the gas tank on full (be ready to work in the vineyard when called).
Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him
