There’s more to the path (Column Version)

A 2016 Kia Sorento occupies a space in the garage of a person I know.

Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Duh! That’s what all cars do.” Let me rephrase that statement: It only occupies a space in the garage.
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It’s probably on its second tank of gas in over a year of ownership! The wheels are spotless, the car is scratch-less, the engine – barely used – is powerless.

Oh, okay! You thought that I meant the engine didn’t work. If that was the case, this whole situation would make sense. But it doesn’t.

The potential is there, but the potential isn’t used. Instead, it just sits there – taking up space and accomplishing nothing! That’s why the engine is powerless, ineffective, and potential-ridden.

But not worthless. No sir! Definitely not worthless. I mean, anything that beautiful, expensive, and luxurious is not worthless. Why? Because someone paid for it.

It’s sort of like the Christian life. The car is your belief in God.

It’s definitely wonderful. I mean, isn’t it awesome that this loving Father of ours sent his son to die for our sins? Believing in Jesus is beautiful and luxurious. And, it is not worthless. Christ paid an expensive price for you and me.

But did you know that it can be powerless?

It might not occupy the garage, but it occupies the pew on Sundays.

What? You think I’m putting down church pews? No, I love pews and garages. It’s what occupies them that concerns me.

Many people fall away from God and become spiritually powerless because they base their relationship solely on what Jesus did instead of considering what the Spirit of God is doing. Don’t get me wrong. It’s all because of Jesus, but he wasn’t just a historic figure. He wants to work in you today!

God isn’t done with you. It wasn’t his plan for you to find something amazing and let it sit in the garage. It wasn’t his plan for you to grasp ahold of what he purchased for you – freedom – and put it to no use.

Jesus doesn’t just want to inhabit your heart; he wants to change your heart. He doesn’t just want to take a place in your life; he wants to be your life.

There is more to the path. Don’t let something so grand – so life-changing and amazing – lay dormant in your life.
God doesn’t just want to get you to heaven, he wants you to enjoy his presence every day.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).

Pick up the keys – the Bible! Get down on your knees and put air in the tires – pray! Open the garage door – your heart! God has great adventures awaiting you today. Heaven will be amazing, but so is today. Turn on some praise music, push on the gas pedal, and watch where God takes you. From dormant to Spirit-filled. From powerless to powerful. From ineffective to effective for the kingdom.
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There is more to the path. There is more to your life. Throw away the mediocracy. This is life “more abundantly” (John 10:10). For as Brandon Heath says, “He’s not finished with me yet.”