You Have To Do This If You Want to Grow

Several years ago, one of our newer office assistants complained that her computer shut down and wouldn’t turn back on. I was the resident “go-to” for tech issues, so I asked, “What happened when it shut down?”“I dropped my mouse,” she said.That normally wouldn’t turn off a computer, so I assumed something else had happened. “Check all the wires behind the computer and try turning it on again.” She did, and it didn’t respond.“Where did you drop your mouse?” I asked.“Right here, where the wires feed behind the desk.” I looked underneath, and sure enough…when she dropped the mouse it landed on the power button on the power strip. The computer wouldn’t turn on because there was no power feeding it.“Nice shot.”I guess that is the standard joke among tech support people. They are frequently called for “silly problems” that often amount to the plug not being inserted, or the power button being off. It is pretty elementary to know that there needs to be power to an electronic device for it to work, whether wired or battery.Are you plugged in? Do you keep your battery charged?I’ve been a follower of Jesus for nearly forty years. In that time, if there is one thing that I have learned about living the Christian life, it is that I need constant input from the power source. If I’m not “plugged in” and “recharged” daily, I struggle. Any growth that has ever taken place in my faith has been in some way related to being refreshed and recharged. I need to be reading his Word devotionally, not just academically. I need one-on-one time alone with him for prayer. I need to be surrounded with godly friends who will encourage my walk of faith. I need to be challenged by good practical preaching of God’s Word.If you find yourself lackadaisical about God-things, and you just don’t have the spiritual interest you used to have, check your power source. What’s feeding you? If it’s sitcoms, the news, movies, or non-christian friends, there you have it. Get plugged back in and you’ll find the rejuvenation reenergizing.