Pony Car Parables (6)

Alignment is Important

Vinny’s alignment was off; he drifted pretty hard to the left. When I hit the brakes, he pulled even more. I knew it needed fixed. It was dangerous for me and others. Our alignment is critical too..

We all develop certain tendencies, some good, others not so much. As we come to have more of God’s truth, it becomes more critical. James warns us, “be DOERS of the word and not hearers only, DECEIVING yourselves.” See, if we hear but don’t do, we deceive ourselves (it’s not a ‘might’ it’s a ‘for sure’). As we respond to God, we develop that particular alignment, either of righteousness unto life or disobedience unto death (Ro 6). And, most often, the drift is subtle.

As you ‘hit the brakes’ don’t be surprised if you drift more wayward at first like Vinny did. As we turn from sin, we make ourselves a target (Isa 59:15). The world, the flesh, and the devil will attack; and you may respond wrong swerving further into sin. But, as Vinny’s alignment was adjusted, so too can ours be. Ro 12:1-2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of our minds, and Romans 8 says, “If by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the flesh (the self-ward heart) you will live.” Notice, it’s a process. But, it’s an important one. Otherwise, even though we’re steering the right way, we end up going the wrong way, missing the mark, sinning.

Proverbs 1:32 warns that, “The waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” Wow! So, get re-aligned, don’t be complacent about it. Be a DOER of what you know; don’t deceive yourself. The safe arrival to the right destination for you, those cruising with you, and the others on the road depends on it.