The inside of a car engine can shed some light on what keeps the believer going when the emotional high of the revival service is over and the realities of everyday life kick in.

There are times when none of the cylinders in the motor are actually firing and producing power. Some fired recently. Some will fire shortly.  But at this instant in time, NO power is being produced by any of the eight cylinders. What keeps the motor from suddenly stopping?

There is a simple device deep inside the motor that has absorbed the energies produced when the cylinders actually did fire. It is called the flywheel. It is just a disc of heavy steel whirling at the speed of the motor. When an instant occurs when no cylinder is firing, the flywheel with its weight and inertia keeps the motor turning so that the moment of opportunity will come around for each cylinder to fire and do its part. 

For us as believers, commitment to a local church, involvement with its programs, the expectations of those depending on our attendance and performance…these all serve the same purpose as the flywheel in the depths of the motor. We really need to have the inertia of involvement to get us through the flat spots when there is neither excitement nor enthusiasm. We are there because we are expected to be there. That pressure pushes things around to our own firing point. The kitchen as a cook, the foyer as a greeter, the lectern as a teacher, the pulpit as a preacher, the office as a secretary…well…you get the picture.  :-)

How about you?  Are you still going from today’s emotional high to tomorrow’s hoped-for apex of religious fervor? Or have you learned to let the deep commitments of your involvement with a local church take you through your valleys of today to the thrill of accomplishment as a servant of Christ the next time it’s your turn to function??

See you Sunday!

Lovingly,

Pastor Richard Orrell