Yesterday, I was reminded of the saying “If it isn’t broke don’t fix it.” What does that say to you?
Until it doesn’t work, or breaks down, or has no use, leave it alone.
If it does break, get a new one.
Warning light, odd sound, ignore until it stops, is out of control, or no longer viable.
It’s just a little part or piece, it doesn’t matter.
For some things there are no warnings. It’s connected to the system of the whole but it may not be on the checklist or the computer sensor.
What if what breaks has nothing to do with what is internal or even on it? What if it’s something external?
What was your first thought, when you saw the title? In my mind, probably the most obvious example is your car or maybe house. You may be one who doesn’t change anything or check it out until it breaks, but that’s pretty rare because we have these built in alarm systems and buzzers and lights. However, with a car, how many of you currently have a check engine light, tire light, or gas gauge that doesn’t work? You’ve figured nothing has really happened so, I’ll test those limits? What if it overheats? What if it is a sensor? No biggie. What happens when the sensor doesn’t work?
Some of us only rent or lease for the sole purpose of hating maintenance. Someone else is responsible. It’s worth the cost and avoids headaches.
It happens with all things. Windows get dirty. There's a spill. A button has a glitch. A door gets scratched. I know someone who took a key and made a light scratch on their car door to alleviate the pressure of the first one. Yes, sounds crazy, but it’s true.
When something is new, under warranty, we make SURE we take it in, fix the recalls, and every little thing is important. It's free.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is vital.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 NKJV Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks.
Check out Proverbs for maintenance type scriptures, including Proverbs 24:26-34.
Sometimes maintenance means taking care of something that has overgrown, like the lawn or trees. To maintain, you have to cut, trim, edge, and prune. Weeds or thorns can take over, filling in places where they shouldn’t. Without proper maintenance those weeds and bugs can destroy the beautiful -an unwelcome invasion!
John 15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Yes, this whole post is a clue to maintain yourself, spirit, soul, and body. How you go about it, is up to you and the Holy Spirit in you; spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Isaiah 18:5 CSB Before the harvest, when the blossoming is over and the blossom becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with a pruning knife, and tear away and remove the branches.
The Holy Spirit is your guarantee, a downpayment of the future and your continual warranty, if you use Him!
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NKJV Now He who establishes us with you in Christ as anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
What’s in you? Bitterness, anger, shame, un-forgiveness, envy, or hurt? Do you have any overgrown weeds that you need to remove? Have you had warning lights that you’ve ignored? Are you running on empty and living on fumes? Anything invaded your personal space?
What are you allowing to affect you from external sources? Are you a people pleaser? Too many life pressures? Who are your friends? What are you listening or watching?
Maintenance means to look something over in order to preserve it. It needs nurture, care, support. It represents a continuity of taking time to observe. To complete the process of maintenance means there is action to correct what could or has gone awry.
How’s your heart?
James 4:8a NIV Move your heart closer and closer too God and he will come even closer to you.
Psalm 46:10 NIV Be still and know that I am God! (marinate and wait in His presence).
I Chronicles 16:11 NKJV Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!
It all begins, ends, and the daily in-between with spending time in His presence. Whether you need nurturing and care, to come clean about something, guidance, reflection, or to complain, He is waiting for you.
Spending time with Jesus is relationship. You share, He shares.
In summation, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin
Psalm 1:2 ESV But his delight is in the law of the Lord (one who follows the ways of God), on his law he meditates day and night.
The Word of God is powerful. It’s Truth. It’s Light. It’s alive and active. It’s your defense. It’s your offense. It’s your life application. It’s all in there! Check out 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
Have you had your maintenance dose today?
KTWL
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