High Maintenance Living
How maintenance-minded are you?
Maintenance is something that is often avoided. The life objective of many is “low-maintenance living.” We like low maintenance cars, low maintenance homes, low maintenance jobs, low maintenance people and low maintenance relationships. The less upkeep the better!
Maintenance is actually a very important activity. To “maintain” something is “to preserve it from failure or decline; to sustain it against opposition or danger; to uphold and defend.”
Lack of maintenance comes at a cost. It is the “pay me now or pay me later” principle. When we neglect maintenance, the bill eventually comes due. We pay through problems, pain and repairs.
More things are destroyed by neglect than by abuse. How many marriages, friendships, businesses and careers have slowly decayed and disintegrated because of a lack of maintenance? How many wonderful opportunities have been lost by neglect of duty and ignoring important responsibilities?
The Bible reminds us of the rewards of being proactive in the upkeep of our lives and opportunities. God calls us to be maintenance-minded in all areas of life. Great blessings come when we live this way.
Here’s one verse that emphasizes the good things that come to the maintenance-minded person:
"He who tends a fig tree will eat it’s fruit …" — Proverbs 27:18 (NIV)
Notice that the rewards of enjoying the fruit of a tree goes to the one who tends it. Tending is maintenance work. It is unglamorous, daily, routine, mundane work. But without it, forget enjoying the benefits. Investment always precedes increase!
What areas of your life, your marriage, your work, your health — your life — are suffering from a lack of maintenance? Start tending the “tree” and you’ll enjoy some fresh, new fruit!
Dale O'Shields
For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
Listen to Practical Living on OnePlace.com or watch Practical Living on LightSource.com.
