Don’t Let the Light Drive the Truck

A check-engine light is useful. It tells you something under the hood needs attention. But nobody lets the light drive the truck. Emotions are a lot like that. They tell you something is going on inside. They make poor drivers.

Jesus said the real source of trouble isn’t outside us. “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” Pressure doesn’t put anger or envy in us. It squeezes out what was already there.

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts.” That is humbling, but it is also hopeful. If the problem is in the heart, then the heart is where God can work.

Holidays can turn the pressure up. When the light comes on this month, don’t ignore it, and don’t hand it the wheel. Pull over, look under the hood, and bring what you find to God.