Step It Up for Christ

"We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth." - Virginia Satir, American author and social worker

When we were first married, before we had any children, my husband and I owned an automobile that we loved dearly, but cost us a lot of money to maintain. It wasn't an expensive, luxury car, or a rare, classic sports car. In fact, it was cute, small, fuel-efficient, and fun to drive. All was well for the first several years that we owned the car.

Then, like a bad relationship, it started falling apart. Sure, if something need fixing, we got it fixed. No problem. But soon it needed more, and more fixing; and then the repairs became more and more expensive. It gradually transformed from a "low maintenance" vehicle to a "high maintenance" one.

But, since we were so fond of that car we tried to keep it up. We really did. Eventually, we agreed that the car was squeezing us dry. The time had come to part with it (no pun intended!) It was just not cost-effective to hang on to it any longer. So, we traded it in for a newer automobile.

While we're on the subject of "high maintenance," I'd like to discuss how this can relate to, or describe, some of us Christians. A rough, basic definition of high maintenance, for our purposes, is "the need for a lot of attention." If you like, we can easily add: "requires a lot of time, energy, or money." Just the same, I think you understand what I am getting at.

We, as Christians, can be referred to as "high maintenance" if we require considerable amounts of attention in order to continue being faithful. This means we need lots of coddling or pampering to stay active. Naturally, those who are new to the faith need extra attention. This is understandable. As new believers we were probably considered "high maintenance," too.

Be that as it may, new believers should reach a point where they no longer need hand-holding from others. Certainly, this varies for everyone, but after some time, through individual growth, we are ready to make the leap from merely being a "recepient" to becoming a "provider" (Hebrews 5: 12-14).

In time, we should also arrive at a point where we receive our strength from God. When we attain this level, we then become "producers" and not simply "consumers." If you need examples of what I'm talking about, check out the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-6.

Allow me to clarify that it's not wrong to be "high maintenance" when it is necessary. Scripture, in fact, encourages us to support one another (Galatians 6:2). It also reminds us to help those who may be weaker than ourselves (Romans 15:1).

I sincerely hope that I have motivated, and even challenged you to think about your service to Christ. I want you to think about your own work in the kingdom (Galatians 6:4). And, to honestly ask yourself whether you are carrying your own weight, or not (Galatians 6:5).

In conclusion, when our load becomes too heavy to carry, that's the time we need "high maintenance" from our fellow believers. On the other hand, our failure to bear our own burden comes at a cost. It ulitmately means that our "high maintenance" impedes, or thwarts the cause of Jesus Christ. That's something we should all strongly consider.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 1:9; 1 Peter 2:2; James 1:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray for those new to the faith, that they may find strength and independence in Your Name. In this way, they too will be able to become strong providers and producers of Your precious, life-giving Word. Amen

May God bless you,

Shayla