I’m terrible about car maintenance. I always put things off too long! Recently my car was entirely out of order over something that could have been detected and fixed in an hour’s work. What should be a simple thing that gets fixed in a check-up turns into a big job. Things snowball out of control if we leave them that way, not only in automotive ownership but in our state of mind.

Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?” Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.

Exodus 18:14-15

It sometimes feels like we are hurting others when we ask for help. In reality, it is better for us and the people around us when we ask for help with the everyday burdens of life instead of waiting for a total catastrophic breakdown! That sort of support is what keeps us healthy as individuals and as a community.

The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.

1 Peter 4:7-10

The sound judgement and sober spirit we need to be in the right frame of mind for prayer comes from being willing to get the kind of help we need so that we can build up our fellow believers with that same kind of help when their turn comes around! A fervent love for your fellow Christian will make you into the kind of person Jesus wants you to be because it requires you to love and care for yourself as well. We need each other and the first step is by loving ourselves as the Lord does!

Ethan Kirl

Originally Publishes December 10, 2022