They looked good from a distance. Even up close, it was hard to tell that they were slightly different than the pair on the back. The car needed new front tires, and the ones we had just put on the rear had been discontinued for the newer model. I figured as long as they looked close, what difference does it make, so we went with it.
Initially, they felt great...and by great, I mean everything felt normal as we drove around town. Then we hit the highway. As I picked up speed to precisely 9.5 mph over the speed limit, we could feel an ever-so-subtle shake. The faster we went, the rougher it felt. They must not have balanced the tires correctly, or the alignment was off. Either way, the more strain on the car, the rougher the response.
Regardless of how nice the tires look, if out of balance or alignment, it's not going to be a smooth ride.
"Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love..." (Psalm 26:2)
We all have places in our lives where we may not be acting out of pure motives.
We all have places in our lives where we may not be acting out of pure motives. Where our image doesn’t match our intention. Most of us don't even recognize these areas without serious and honest reflection. I know that for me, I need my wife, Susan, and God to keep me in check before real damage takes place.
Following God is not an act of imagery. It's not an InstaSpace reel or a FaceTube post. It takes a constant pursuit of information that leads to transformation. It requires consistent balancing and realignment.
When we fail to check our hearts and test the motives behind our actions, we can quickly find ourselves going faster and faster, only to run rougher and tougher. Eventually leading to a place of breakdown, requiring some significant repair on our chassis.
Don't just look the part. Take the time to slow down and make sure to ask God to test your motives. And when you get that subtle warning light, remember that in His unfailing love is truth, so don't ignore it. Take the time for a little rebalancing before the whole car shakes apart. The more strain on your life, the rougher your response unless you are in lock step with God. Time for an alignment.