In order to put a new timing belt in my car the mechanic had to remove the front bumper assembly. Upon putting it back in place it is now necessary to drive it sixty or so miles before the onboard computers can calibrate distances required for the proper operation of the front radar sensors. Since I only live ten miles from our little college it will be two or three days for things to work as designed.
I had to remind myself of a time in my experience when I allowed my daily devotions to lapse. Life just seemed to unconsciously take over before I realized what had occurred. It was not a deliberate act. It was so easy to lapse. What fascinated me was when I realized what had happened and I began anew I had to bring myself back up to speed. I had to recalibrate my orientation to my walk with God. How fascinating it was that I could not just pick up where I left off. If you don’t use it you lose it.
Paul must have understood this because he wrote to the Romans (12:2), “Be not conformed to the world.” It was paraphrased by J. B. Phillips, “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.” It is so easy to lose precious ground by the distractions around us. When I think about having to recalibrate it is like most everything in life. If we stop practicing the piano we have to recover. If I am out of the classroom for a week, I have to spend a bit of time getting back into a rhythm. Maybe it’s just me but I am suspicious it is the same for all of us.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 2, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org