It’s Time for an “Oil” Change

Proverbs 24:25-26:

24Whoever^(C) says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
^(D) will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
26Whoever gives an honest answer
kisses the lips.

My car is the vehicle we have chosen to not put any more money into than needed (it is 10 years old). If something is simply cosmetic then I just live with it. It boils down to priorities, how we want to use our money. Our mechanic has been telling me I need to replace the tires now for about a year (I tend to try and get as much out of the tread as possible). I have finally figured out an ingenious way to stop my mechanic from reminding me, I have quit taking it in to get the oil changed! Perfect, he has not said anything to me about my tires for months now. Before the comments fill up with advice on how bad that is for the car and my safety, I am taking it in tomorrow. And in case the obvious is not clear, the problem here is in no way my mechanic.

It has occurred to me that many of us are tempted to deal with sin in a similar manner. We know there is a lacking or a need of change, but we are not willing to pay the price or use the resources necessary. Therefore, we figure out “ingenious ways” to stop anyone of reminding us: some stop attending church or change churches, others avoid the pastors, maybe we simply stop asking for advice about anything lest the costly issue arises, teens will start clamming up around parents, we become more “selective” about who we seek advice from, still others will avoid certain church settings like Sunday School, after service discussions, etc.. We all know the routines. Now for those of you who thought my idea to stop getting the oil changed so the mechanic couldn’t tell me I need new tires was foolish, how much more foolish is it for us to do this with our souls? If there is a sin problem in your life, a know sin that requires change, it is time for an “oil” change.