Dealing With A Problem

Well, the good news is that I am not having any mechanical problems with my KLX 250 but the bad news is that the kids' Yamaha 80 has a problem. I am not learned enough in the ways of mechanical parts on a "dirt bike" to diagnose the problem. I knew there was a problem because the symptom was a crummy acceleration and stalling out the bike. However, the only thing that I could confidently check was the gears, gas, and switch.

What did I do? I sought out someone with better knowledge than myself. This guy checked a few things related to the gas line and the throttle before he pulled out the spark plug. This plug was dirty and wet from the gasoline. We cleaned up the plug and put it back into the dirt bike. It started up and was running a lot more smoothly. However, it was decided to replace the plug because it is old and will have future problems. So, I am know looking to go out shopping for a new spark plug. I am anxious to get it and put the plug back into the bike. I am ready to see this dirt bike moving along the way it was designed to ride for the kids.

This is a lot like a Christian's walk with the Lord. When a sinful behavior or attitude is present in our life, it slows down spiritual fruit that occurs in our life. As Galatians 5:13 reiterates ... "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Our sin nature (falleness) is what seeks to manifest itself in our life. If we don't consciously seek to trust and obey Jesus Christ at every point in our day, we give the flesh an opportunity. {this is like putting a defective spark plug back into a dirt bike that will eventually cause problems again}

Instead, the Christian should seek to be empowered from a new source. Galatians 5:16 says: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

In the motorcycle spark plug analogy, this would be equivalent to putting in the new spark plug. However, this sells short the view of the Holy Spirit. It would be more like putting in a powerful spark plug that will transform every part of the bike that needs help to be effective. Can you imagine a spark plug that corrects exhaust problems? Filter problems? Engine problems?

Certainly, this type of spark plug doesn't exist in my analogy. However, The Spirit is alive and well to transform the hearts and minds of Christ's disciples. He will work in a believer's life when we are led by The Spirit. How does that happen? Seeking, Trusting and Following Jesus Christ in our life. (that is the short answer)