I took the car in to the repair shop. The ‘check engine’ light had come on again. They put it on the diagnostic machine and it came back with, “engine below operating temperature.” Really? You know, at -24 degrees wind chill, I think EVERYTHING is below operating temperature these Iowan winter days! Sometimes that little alert light can be really crucial. Ignoring it could lead one to real danger! But in this case, the repairmen reset the alert light and sent us on the way at no charge. (Thanks guys!)
Don’t you wish WE had a built in ‘check spiritual engine’ light? It could come in handy when we are operating too much on our own power, instead of relying on the Holy Spirit. Or it could tell us the oil is low and it is time for a fresh anointing. It could warn us when our battery is worn down and we need spiritual recharging. Or it could flash repeatedly when we are entering dangerous ‘road conditions’.
Actually, God already thought of this when Jesus gave us His very Spirit to teach, guide, convict, and comfort us. This ‘alert’ never goes off unless there is a real cause and never needs resetting. It doesn’t flash a light so we have to train ourselves to listen for the warning. Like any soft whisper, we have to tune out the distracting sounds and events around us and lean in to hear a still and soft voice.
For your car, keep your eye on the check engine light. To make sure you are operating under the best of guidance, train yourself to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit throughout the normal routines of the day.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
