This past week, I received an explanation of benefits (EOB) from my insurance company. As I went to file it, I noticed something. The two thickest folders in my file cabinet have the labels of “Car” and “Medical.” I used to have a third labeled “House,” yet since moving into a condo, this folder is now much thinner. (Click here to listen to this message.)
It occurred to me as I looked at these folders that each represented things I had to take care of regularly. Without proper maintenance, each would fail to perform at its optimum level.
The reason my 2008 Camry is still humming is because I have not neglected its care. By God’s grace, I am in excellent health so while this folder is bulging, it’s because it represents decades of test results.
When we take care of or maintain physical things, they last longer. This got me to thinking about the maintenance of spiritual things. What do we do to take care of our faith? Our spiritual health?
Left unchecked, like houses, cars, and our physical bodies, it too can falter. And just like we take our cars and ourselves in for their respective check-ups, it would be wise for us to do a regular spiritual health checkup.
What would that look like? Here are a few questions for reflection:
- Are we reading/meditating on God’s Word each day?
- Do we spend time with Him in prayer or stillness?
- Are we surrounded by faith-filled people to encourage us?
- Do we listen to or watch teachings in areas of weakness?
- Are we acting on what we are reading, hearing, or watching?
Our spiritual health is based on a commitment to practice each of these on a regular basis. Just like we can’t go to the mechanic once in a while and expect our cars to run smoothly, we can’t expect our faith to operate optimally if we neglect its maintenance.
The Bible tells us that “faith comes by hearing and by hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Notice it says “hearing” twice. We also have to “build ourselves up on our most holy faith” (Jude 20-21) and “not neglect the assembly of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25).
All of these Bible verses imply regular maintenance of our faith. What we maintain, remains. What we forsake, breaks.
As we are nearing the end of 2026, let’s pause and reflect on our spiritual health. Does it need a tune up? We can’t fix what we don’t know is broken, so spend some time in prayer and let God tell you where your faith walk may need some course corrections.
He’ll tell you exactly where maintenance is needed and He will help you put His Words into action.
Do a spiritual checkup today and avoid the check engine light tomorrow.