A few years ago my old business partner bought me a Ford F250 Lariat 4x4 Diesel truck. I felt like my manhood was at its highest point when I drove that truck. Sitting high, in control, listening to the rumble of the diesel engine begging to release its power.
I have since sold the truck and drive a humble 1996 Dodge Dakota...no A/C...150,000 miles...and a paint job that is making people wonder if it was ever painted! Seriously though, I love my little Dodge (thanks PG!!).
Right after I got my "Texas Limo", my business partner told me to always make sure I put Diesel gas in. I thought...duh!!!! Of course I will.
He told me about a time shortly after he got his truck when he was in a hurry, on the phone, and needed gas. He pulled in, filled up, and drove off. He started to notice his truck was running really rough, hesitating, and acting like it was ready to die. He realized he did the unthinkable. He put regular gas in his diesel truck!
He immediately stopped the truck and called a tow truck to bring him to the closest mechanic. The mechanic had to drain the tank, clear the fuel lines, and make sure there was no other diesel gas in the engine. Expensive lesson!
I remembered that story every time I pulled into a gas station, and needless to say I always put the right gas in my truck.
God brought this story to my mind yesterday as I was talking with a friend about "steering clear" of sin. I shared how typically I set up some rules and boundaries in my life to help me stay away from different temptations of sin. I'm considering this might be like putting regular gas in a diesel truck.
If my rules and boundaries are the only thing standing in the way of me and my sin, it's a rough ride. And ultimately, although I might last for a while, my sin always wins.
I'm learning that the right kind of gas for me is called "Dependence". Not dependence on my rules and boundaries, but daily dependence on God and his power in my life. I've found this results in my engine rumbling, patiently waiting to release its power - His power...over sin.
So here's to putting the right kind of gas in my car...and in my life.
H
