Now Is a Good Time for an Overhaul

I took my first flight in a Cessna 172 in 2015. The Cessna 172 is a 4-seat, single engine plane that has been manufactured since 1956. To date, Cessna has manufactured more than 44,000 Cessna 172s and still produces them today. Measured by its longevity and number of units produced, it is the most successful aircraft in the history of flight.

During my flight, I learned that all airplanes are required to be overhauled after a certain number of operating hours. The Cessna 172 is overhauled every 1,800 or 2,000 operating hours depending on the specific motor. During an overhaul, a trained aircraft mechanic completely disassembles the motor, inspects every inch, machines the rough places smooth, replaces worn parts, and reassembles it. Overhauls are expensive but help ensure the plane is airworthy and make a mechanical failure less likely to occur. In other words, the overhaul keeps the passengers safe and the plane flying at peak efficiency and power.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to perform an overhaul of our lives. In Psalm 139:23-24, David writes, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” I wonder if you would be willing to pray the same prayer.

Set aside some time this month to get alone with God and ask Him to do a couple of things. First, ask Him to reveal to you every area of sin in your life that you have not completely put away. Write them down. Second, ask the Lord to reveal to you everything He has commanded or led you to do that you have not obeyed. Write them down. After the Lord has spoken, take those things to the Lord in confession and repentance (1 John 1:9), and believe Him when He says He forgives you and cleanses you of all unrighteousness.

Next, ask the Lord to lead you into habits and activities that cause you to grow in your love for Him, in your service to Him, and in your love and service to others. As we take time to evaluate our lives, taking each piece apart and surrendering it afresh to the Lord, we will begin to live our lives in His will, enjoy His blessings, and accomplish His works in our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Cessna 172 on which I flew was built in 1966. On the day of my flight, the plane was 49 years old. Yet, the pilot flew the aircraft to our destination and back without a hitch. Because of regular overhauls and scheduled maintenance, it performed beautifully and will likely continue to do so for years to come.

In like manner, we need to perform regular maintenance in our spiritual lives to be sure we are on track, serving the Lord and people at peak efficiency and power.