Have you ever locked your keys in your car? Odds are you have, or you know someone who has. It is a common annoyance in our culture where everyone has a vehicle. Not to say cars are a bad thing. Cars are great for getting around, visiting friends, or just going on a vacation. But all that utility relies on one little piece of metal and plastic. If you have lost your keys, or locked them in your vehicle, then the car is nothing but a stationary lump of metal and fiberglass.
One of my tasks at work is to help people in this situation. We have a handy little kit consisting of various wedges and long pieces of metal. I actually unlocked a car once with a clothes hanger and some yarn. Before I unlock the car though, someone has to tell me that it needs to be unlocked. Then the owner of the vehicle signs a little waiver saying they are aware that we are breaking into their car, and some damage may occur. In several ways, you can relate this scenario to the Christian life. More accurately, to those who are seeking and find their way toward Christianity.
Like the twelve step programs say, the first step is admitting you have a problem. The person with the car has locked themselves out of somewhere they need to be. The seeker is locked out of the kingdom of God.
Once you know you have a problem, you have to figure out how to solve that problem. Most problems are not solved by knowing they exist, they are solved by looking for the answers. In the case of the car, you go find someone with the skills and tools to unlock the vehicle. In the case of the kingdom of God, you look toward those who have already found answers, and toward the Bible.
Back to that little waiver. When I unlock a car, there is always some chance of damage to the vehicle, usually a bit of chipped paint around the door, or a scratch on the handle. I am literally breaking into the car. I have lots of practice, and tools, but those don’t always mean things will go smoothly. I never know what it will be like until I start working on the car. Each model presents different challenges when it comes to catching a door handle, a switch, a knob, or anything else that will open the door. The person who needs their car opened is also unaware of the true cost until I have started my work.
Searching for and finding God is the same. Most people think they have some idea of what it means to be a Christian, to follow after Christ, but they don’t really know what cost they will pay until that have made the move toward God. In both cases, the end result is something better. Being able to use your car is better than a large object taking up space in a parking lot. Knowing the grace of God, and following in Christ’s steps, is better than wandering around searching for answers that will not be found anywhere else.
About the Author:
Stephen Mayo lives in Montana with his wife, daughter, corgi, and three cats.
You can keep in touch with him on Facebook and Twitter. Find more on his podcast A Side of Mayo. If you enjoyed reading this consider buying him a coffee or supporting him on Patreon.
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