Reflections: Regular maintenance needed

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about maintenance. My husband and I are blessed to have a paid-for place to live and a couple of reasonably decent paid-for vehicles. While we are immensely thankful to be in that situation, we are also keenly aware that just because you have something, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely and forever trouble-free. 

We have a special section in our budget for our home, for example—insurance, pest control, regular maintenance visits by the HVAC pros and routine cleaning supplies, not to mention a few areas we still want to update and remodel. Same with the vehicles—over the years we’ve learned they get a lot farther down the road if things like oil changes are a habit; but even then, surprises happen—like our truck stranding me when a $60 part decided to fail, and then discovering that replacing that part required a day and a half of expensive labor. We had to raise that category of our budget for a while! 

The principle applies not just to our “stuff,” but to our physical bodies. My dad’s biggest frustration during his last few years was that, after a lifetime of hard work and knowing how to fix almost anything, his body was wearing out; sharpening his own mower blades or climbing a ladder to paint his own house was no longer a good idea. However, the “maintenance” of hard work, healthy home-grown produce, and paying attention to his doctor’s advice were likely reasons he made it to nearly 90 before things got too bad. I’m trying to follow that principle, eat right, get my check-ups, and keep moving. 

These practical examples remind me regularly that our spiritual maintenance can’t be ignored, either! I’m so thankful that my salvation is “paid in full” through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and it isn’t going to break down! The Apostle Peter writes, “. . .  By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading . . .” (1 Peter 1:3-4, BSB). 

At the same time, though, we can’t ignore our routine maintenance: Prayer, Bible study and regular fellowship with other believers, while using our gifts and talents in obedience to the Great Commission. Peter also writes, “. . . Make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, strive to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:5-10, BSB). 

Did Peter doubt what Christ had done for him and for us? No, but he did know the pressures of surrounding culture and even persecution would not make it easy to be a follower of Christ, so he urged Christians to “make every effort,” to cultivate those virtues. Regular Bible reading makes it lots more likely that I’ll recall a scripture verse when I need it for encouragement; church attendance provides not only good teaching but also friends I can call when I need prayer. Taking time to pray daily and listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice helps me make better decisions. 

Remind me, Lord, not to neglect my routine maintenance!