Crash Zone: The Sequel

I don’t usually like sequels because they rarely measure up to the original. And just recently I found a greater appreciation for that fact. I experienced the “Crash Zone: The Sequel” this last week. A few years ago, I had the unpleasurable privilege of encountering the original “Crash Zone”. Countless hours were spent by myself along with "real and wannabe" experts trying to avoid it. Unfortunately, my computer landed square in the “Crash Zone” with over ten years of ministry (letters, calendars, forms, brochures, mailing lists, etc.) silently disappearing without even a whimper from my hard drive. The original Crash Zone actually had some good results…my computer was cleaned of all those unnecessary “pre-loaded” programs and old files clogging up my directories while brand new virus protection was in place to keep my computer safe.

This time, the "Crash" wasn’t quite as devastating. Unlike the original "Crash", I was able to back up my documents, pictures, and sermons prior to my computer starring in the sequel. Praise God for “jump drives”! And this time, my computer only required to be restored back to its original settings and some reloading of some software.

So what do my computers crashing have to do with a faith journey? Our Original “Crash” comes when living our lives by our own rules doesn't work and neither does our seeking help from others who are in their own "Crash Zone". Then, when all else fails, we accept our crash and we are cleaned and made new in Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
The bad “preloads” of our growing up is exchanged with perfect programming of God’s Grace. The old files of our selfish lives are renewed through Christ’s love. And our new life in Christ is protected from worldly “viruses” through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

And may this serve as a reminder to us “mature Christians”, that if we are not careful, we can star in our own “Crash Zone: the Sequel”. We find ourselves broken, a bit like King David, begging God to “create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us.” (psalm 51:10). This might be a good time to “back up” and refresh our system. Take time with God to embrace his Grace in your life and to again hand over our selfish habits. Express the joy of Christ’s love in your relationships and renew your attention to the Spirit’s protection from the worldly viruses we face daily.

While our original “Crash Zone” is one we never would want to repeat…we must stay attentive and work at “backing up” our relationship with God so that when we are faced with the “Crash Zone: the Sequel”… we aren’t in the starring role!

The “Back up” scripture this week:
…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…Eph. 3:17b-18