Is your inner antenna in tune with God?

Today I was having my red truck serviced. I was having the oil and windshield wiper blades changed and I received a free car wash as a bonus. Immediately after they completed the service work, they started the cleaning and washing process of my truck.  They even took off my antenna and placed it in the interior of the truck so they could do a more thorough job.  I was really impressed by their work and will gladly use them again. As I began to drive off, I went to use my stereo radio, but I did not receive the quality sound that I was used to having.  Instead, I got this really high-pitched squealing noise.  Something went wrong with my radio.  Then I looked over and saw the disconnected antenna on the floor board of the vehicle.  I had the antenna, but it was not where it was supposed to be.
Later, Nancy and I were about to leave for Macon when I realized that I had not corrected the problem.  I was on the phone talking to someone as we were getting in the car.  I used a few vague hand directives and hand motions as I handed Nancy the antenna thinking that she understood these wordless directives of mine to replace the antenna to the antenna holder. Nancy took the antenna and placed it on the outside table and got back in the truck.  I was totally perplexed by her actions because I gave her the antenna and very good directions, I thought.  When I got off the phone I asked her why she did not replace the antenna to its holder and she replied that she did not know what I wanted her to do with the antenna.  I realized that my vague communication directives to Nancy were not so good and I got out of the truck to fix the problem.  I walked over to the table and got the antenna and replaced it.  I got back in the truck and smiled because I realized that I did not communicate my thoughts and desires very well. Also, I was smiling even more that the radio static had cleared up and was giving clear reception.

Take a-ways from this experience:

1. It is important to guard and protect your sound system.
a. Watch out!!  It is even more important to protect your relationship with God others and yourself!

2. Even people with good intentions can lead you astray.
a. Even Godly people can lead you astray when the person is not tuned in to God’s call for your life.

3. When you realize your problem, own it and acknowledge it.
a. Sin, missing the mark of Christian living can be intentional or unintentional. The end results are the same, regardless of the motives.  As soon as you recognize it, then own it and make the necessary changes.

4. Communicate well to others, do not assume others will understand your dilemma.
a. Communicate with clarity is necessary for better relationships with God and others.  Do not assume someone is understanding your words or actions.

5. Do not become frustrated with others because they do not understand your dilemma.
a. I passed multitudes of cars and people who were nice people, but they did not know or care about my dilemma. Can you believe that?  Unless someone is in the know of your situation do not be frustrated with them.  Practice love and kindness.  I sat in the truck with my wife and best friend, Nancy, but she did not even understand my dilemma.

6. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
a. Asking for help is a way of humbling ourselves before God and others.  I have been overwhelmed with people’s willingness to help if we communicate our dilemma well.  People are inherently helpful and kind.

7. Your problem may or may not be fixable.
a. Some dilemmas are simply unfix-able.  Learn what you can from the situation and begin to build off of the newly learned information.

8. Your antenna is your reception device for catching and transmitting the airways for your radio.
a. Like the antenna, your faith is the catching and transmitting device for your relationship with God!  Stay tuned in!