Check engine light

### Sermon: The Check Engine Light of Our Lives

**Base Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24**

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

**Introduction**

Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about something that is common to all of us who drive—a little light on the dashboard that can cause a great deal of stress and concern: the check engine light. This small but significant indicator can teach us profound lessons about our spiritual lives and our walk with God.

**The Purpose of the Check Engine Light**

The check engine light is designed to alert us to potential problems with our vehicle. It’s not there to scare us or to cause anxiety, but to signal that something needs attention. Ignoring it can lead to more severe issues and costly repairs down the road. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we have our own check engine lights—signals from God that something within us needs attention.

**Recognizing the Spiritual Check Engine Light**

Just as the check engine light can manifest due to various issues—big or small—our spiritual warning lights can be triggered by a range of concerns. These might include feelings of guilt, a sense of emptiness, persistent worry, or a loss of peace. They are indicators from God, inviting us to examine our hearts and our relationship with Him.

**Biblical Parallel: King David**

In Psalm 139:23-24, King David prays, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." David was asking God to check his spiritual engine light. He wanted God to reveal any hidden faults or areas needing correction.

**Steps to Addressing the Spiritual Check Engine Light**

1. **Acknowledge the Light**

Just as ignoring the check engine light in our car can lead to breakdowns, ignoring the spiritual warning signs can lead to spiritual crises. When we feel something is off, we must acknowledge it and be willing to address it. Hebrews 3:15 says, "As has just been said: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'" When we sense that inner nudge or discomfort, it's God's way of getting our attention. We shouldn't harden our hearts but be open to His correction.

2. **Seek Diagnosis**

We often need a professional to diagnose our car issues. Similarly, we need God’s Word, prayer, and sometimes counsel from wise, godly individuals to diagnose our spiritual issues. Proverbs 20:5 says, "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out." James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." It's important to surround ourselves with a community of believers who can help us discern and address the issues we face.

3. **Take Corrective Action**

Once the issue is identified, action must be taken. Repentance, forgiveness, and making necessary changes in our lives are crucial. In James 1:22, we are reminded to be doers of the word, not hearers only. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Ignoring the problem or procrastinating will only lead to more significant issues. We must act promptly and decisively.

4. **Regular Maintenance**

Preventive maintenance can keep both our cars and our spirits running smoothly. Regular prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and worship keep our spiritual engines healthy. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Just as a well-maintained car runs more efficiently, a well-nurtured spiritual life enables us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.

**The Outcome of Heeding the Warning**

When we address the check engine lights in our lives promptly and thoroughly, we prevent greater damage and ensure a smoother journey. Philippians 4:6-7 promises us peace beyond understanding when we bring our concerns to God: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is the result of a well-maintained relationship with God, where we are continually attentive to His guidance and correction.

**Illustration: The Consequences of Ignoring the Light**

Let me share a story to illustrate this point. A man was driving his car when the check engine light came on. He ignored it, thinking it was a minor issue that would resolve itself. Days turned into weeks, and he continued to ignore the light. One day, as he was driving on a busy highway, his car suddenly broke down. The cost of repairs was substantial, and he was left stranded, regretting that he had not addressed the issue when it first arose. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, small issues can become major crises if we ignore God's warnings.

**The Role of the Holy Spirit**

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual maintenance. John 16:13 says, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." The Holy Spirit is our divine mechanic, always ready to guide us and help us address the issues that arise in our hearts. We need to be sensitive to His promptings and willing to follow His lead.

**Embracing God's Grace**

It’s important to remember that addressing our spiritual check engine lights is not about achieving perfection on our own. It’s about embracing God's grace and allowing Him to transform us. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." God's grace empowers us to recognize our faults, repent, and grow in our relationship with Him.

**Conclusion**

As we leave here today, let us be mindful of the check engine lights in our lives. Let us not ignore the small signs and promptings from God that something might be amiss. Instead, let us bring these concerns to Him, seeking His wisdom and guidance to address them. Remember, these lights are not there to burden us, but to lead us to a more fulfilling and faithful walk with our Lord. Let us pray for the strength and courage to face our issues head-on, to seek God's guidance, and to take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy spiritual life. Amen.