“….If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” ~John 8:31-32 (NKJV)

My husband, Dave, is always “getting on to me” about the oil in my car. You see, I have this very bad habit of “extending the mileage” of the life of the oil. I try to explain that I simply get busy and forget to go have it changed; but he reminds me that I drive by the “Jiffy Lube” almost every day. Needless-to-say, keeping up with the oil changes in my car is not on my list of top priorities.

Oil, though, if not replenished regularly, will evaporate and eventually dry up. If it is not renewed on a regular basis, the viscosity (thickness) of the oil changes, which alters it’s ability “to withstand heat and pressure and to reduce friction or stress”. When the viscosity of the oil is altered, it cannot protect the engine “under certain levels of pressure.”

Sounds a lot like our walk with Christ, doesn’t it? When we accept Christ into our lives, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. The more time with spend in God’s Word, in prayer, and in worship, the closer we become to Him. The closer we become to Him, the more we are willing to submit our lives to his guidance, direction, correction, and will.

Sometimes, though, we get “too busy”. We pass by our Bible every day. We “see” it but simply are too involved in all the other things going on around us to “recognize it”. A day goes by, then two, then five…..before we know it, we’ve gone an entire week without spending time with God.

This “time away” allows the enemy to cause changes in our thoughts, our actions, and our words. Then – like my car – we find ourselves “running a little rough”, needing some “much overdue maintenance”.

When the oil sits for too long in my car, it becomes dirty and the very thing that helps protect my car from damage actually begins causing damage itself. It’s no different for you and me.

The Holy Spirit is our oil! As long as we go to God on a regular basis, He keeps our oil clean, which allows Him to use us for His glory.

So my question to you today is this, “Is it time for an oil change?”

Friends, I encourage you today: If it’s been a while since you’ve allowed the Holy Spirit to pour new, fresh oil into your life, don’t wait another second. Go the Lord right now, and ask for His forgiveness. He is faithful to fill you with His goodness, mercy, grace, and love!