During the summer when our pool is open, we regularly enjoy taking a dip to cool off on those hot summer days. We do, though, have to perform maintenance on the pool water – so that the water is not only enjoyable to be in – but also safe to be in. We have to regularly test the water to see if all of the chemicals are balanced – such as the “pH”, “chlorine”, and “alkalinity”. If we allow the chemicals to go unchecked for a period of time, we invite mold and algae to take over. Subsequently, the water would no longer be inviting to swim in – nor would it be safe to be in.
In many ways, our lives are like the water in the pool. If we maintain them through prayer, study and application of the Lord’s Word – our lives will be filled with the joy of the Lord; we will rejoice and be thankful for all that the Lord provides; we will have a spirit and an attitude of service unto the Lord. However, if we become lazy [or abdicate our responsibility] in the maintenance of our lives; we can very easily be led to move away from the Lord; there will be a lull in our passion for the Lord; we will likely become unwilling to serve the Lord – for there will be no joy or thanksgiving. And, if our maintenance goes unchecked too long, we may even start serving something or someone else – other than the Lord.
There comes a time in the life of an individual and in the life of a church that each must make a decision – especially with regards to their service unto the Lord – and serving only the Lord. Today, like every other day, is that day!
Joshua made a decision as to whom he and his family were going to serve – and note that the word “serve” is a verb that requires action.
For Joshua stated in Joshua 24:15,
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
As previously stated, “serving” the Lord requires everyday maintenance. First, there must be prayer and thanksgiving (for these go hand-in-hand).
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18,
“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Without prayer and thanksgiving, we open the door to shutting down the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Note the warning in 1 Thessalonians 5:19,
“Quench not the Spirit.”
Second, we are called to study, mediate upon, and apply the Word of God in our lives.
2 Timothy 2:15 states,
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states,
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
If we fail to study and apply God’s word to our lives, apathy will set in with regards to caring about God’s truths, His standards, and even that which brings godly joy to our lives.
We are warned in 2 Timothy 4:2-4,
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Third, without prayer, study, and application of God’s Word in our lives on a daily basis, spiritual “algae, mold, and decay” will start to appear; and subsequently, our lives will be joyless, powerless, and only self-serving. King David realized this when he briefly walked away from the Lord spiritually and turned his attention to his flesh and his lust.
Notice his statement in Psalms 51:12,
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
His sins had vacated his joy in the Lord’s salvation.
If we, as children of God, are to live lives of service unto the Lord, daily maintenance is required. And with daily maintenance as prescribed by the Lord, He provides the following promise.
John 15:10-11,
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Where are you in the “daily maintenance” of your life?
