Refuel!

Most of us are familiar with fuel gauges – an instrument which indicates the level of fuel contained in the tank. This is significant as it translates roughly to the duration in which the vehicle can function; as the needle tilts towards “E” (empty), there is a necessity to turn to the next petrol kiosk for refilling. If we carry on without heeding the sign, we might end up stuck in the middle of the road.

Our spiritual lives require refueling too. Yet a key difference is that we should not wait till we’re running on empty, spiritually dry before filling up. Nor should we just count on camps and Saturday encounters. Our journey with God must be consistent, and our refueling must happen each and every day.

While it is true that we cannot completely fathom the depth of God’s love, we are meant to be filled. In Ephesians 3:14-21:

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Keeping in mind that our Christian walk should not fluctuate, and that we should always “top up” and be constantly filled, let us also examine our lives and recall the fundamental aspect of what it means to be a Christian – that is to connect with Him, to have a relationship with Him. Have our spiritual lives become a check-list, our faith turned into the sum of the responsibilities we have fulfilled? While these responsibilities are not to be undermined, it is of paramount importance to understand that they are not a need, but rather a want that is derived from our connection with Him.

In other words, we should not be bogged down by what we have not done, nor is Christianity focused upon our performance. Let us remember that Jesus’ approach was invitational (Matthew 11:28), and in the same way, despite all our shortcomings, we are accepted and invited to connect with Him.

Hence, let us

• Stop feeling like a failure (Romans 3:22)

• Start thinking of God as a friend ( John 15:15)

- And Come boldly to the throne of our gracious God, approaching with confidence

• Look for connection opportunities

Do not have a performance-based faith, for it leads to rituals, checklists, failure to uphold them, guilt, and ultimately even withdrawal and emptiness. This undermines our relationship with Him! Let’s not feel unworthy of His love, and reject Him as a result. After all, He died on the cross for us.

In conclusion, refueling occurs when we connect with God. Activities like bible study and going to Church are effects of this connection, a wanting that is spurred within us rather than a regulation or merely a habit. Let us not forget our motivation in the first place lies in developing our relationship with Him. If we lose sight of this, there is no point in what we do.