Years ago, my father gifted me with my very first car, a used 1988 Honda Civic Hatchback. As he dangled the keys in front of me, he said, “It’s now your car. Everything this car needs is your responsibility. You’re responsible for the insurance, repairs, and all maintenance. If something breaks, you need to find a way to fix it.”

All I remember was saying, “Of course!” as I quickly grabbed the keys and then ran over to check out the car and take it for a test drive. That was the first of many vehicles and lessons in my life. With each car I’ve owned, I’ve picked up mechanical skills and experience. Despite my growing knowledge and gained experience, one incident still makes me laugh and cringe.

I remember meeting a girl at a party and asking her out on a date. She agreed but wanted her cousin to come along. “No problem,” I said. In preparation for the date, I took a few hours detailing the car. When done, that car was spotless and pristine. I then cleaned myself up pretty well and went to pick them up.

As I head out, I notice the dreaded little yellow “low gas” icon light up. Unfortunately, I’ve spent so much time detailing the car that I’m running late for our date. Confident I have more than enough gas to make it to her house and then a gas station, I continue driving.

After picking them up, we start driving toward a local restaurant. On our way, she noticed the warning light and asked if we have enough gas. “Sure!” I say. “I’ve driven like this before. The car has a reserve tank that will give us enough to get to the gas station.” She doesn’t seem convinced but goes along with it.

We finally reach an intersection and across the street is a gas station. Relieved, I let my date know we’ll be refueling there. As we wait for the light to change, the car begins to sputter. Soon after, the car dies. She looks at me, with an “I told you” face, and I don’t know where to hide from embarrassment. I then get out to push the car to the gas station with her and her cousin inside.

My story reminds me of how we all can run out of spiritual “gas.” We can look great from the outside but running low on the Spirit. Scripture tells us we must be filled with the Spirit daily or run the risk of living a fruitless and ineffective life.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Ephesians 5:15-20.

Pray:

How do you fill yourself with the Spirit daily? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

God’s word says you need to pray and ask God to fill you with the Spirit. Determine how you will do this daily as you also read, pray and meditate on His word. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.