I’ve run out of gas twice in my life. The first time was in high school. I’d learned that if my dad saw my car on empty he would fill it up, so why spend my own valuable money? One time I kept stubbornly driving on empty and Dad never filled it up, leaving me stranded at school. The second time happened about seven years ago. I was driving from Wisconsin to my parent’s home in Sioux City, IA. I came upon a major exit when I was just under a quarter full, but none of the gas stations served the correct kind of coffee (what, you don’t choose gas stations based on the coffee selection?). Every subsequent exit I found something wrong with the gas options: too expensive, too far off the highway, not nice enough, etc. I eventually ran out of gas (in the middle of winter I might add), and got to have an incredibly exciting adventure trying to get re-fueled.
Luke 8:16 has been on my heart recently. There Jesus tell us:
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.
Jesus is telling us that we are all tasked with shining for Him in the world. We are to follow and serve Him in all the we do, and when that happens God can best use us to lead others out of darkness and into His light. That’s led me to this thought: every light needs fuel. Whether it be oil, wax, gas, batteries, or nuclear fusion, every light needs to be fueled by something. The thing fueling us to be the light of Christ is our love for God. That begs the question: how full is your tank? If you had a gas gauge on your “love for God tank” what would it read today? Are you passionate about God right now, excitedly serving Him, worshiping Him, and connecting with Him? Or does your tank feel like its getting close to empty? You still love God, but the passion is a lot less then it once was.
If you are feeling like your love tank is getting low take ownership of getting it filled back up. So many of us think its the responsibility of others to fill our tank (i.e. Pastors, family, friends, church), just like I thought my Dad needed to fill my gas tank. Many times we make excuses for not filling up our tank, saying we don’t like our options, don’t have the time, etc. (much like me on the highway). This week take ownership of filling up your tank with God’s love. Open your Bible and read about all God has done for you. Spend time in prayer. Attend worship with an open heart and mind. Fill your tank up so that you can be the brightest light possible.
