How's your Check Engine light?

           On my way into work this morning, my check engine light came on.  I have no clue what it could be as I can neither feel nor hear anything wrong.  This led me to the realization that the check engine light isn't there just to tell me when something is wrong, but also when something is going wrong.  It lets you know that something is not as it should be before it leads to something more expensive and damaging.  At least I hope that is what it does.
           The interesting thing is, we humans have a check engine light of sorts.  We call it our conscience.  It lets us know when we are doing something wrong.  And just like the check engine light in your car, you can choose to ignore it or you can choose to fix it.  The problem we run into is we tend to ignore the check engine light until it does so much damage the repair is costly and painful. 
             We, as humans, don't like to admit when we were wrong.  We are stubborn and hard headed.  It is easier to try and justify what we did or cover it up in a web of lies.  The problem with these two approaches is that, either way, you don't fix the problem.  We are still wrong and have to live with our consciences until we make it right.  With a car we take our check engine light to a mechanic to get it checked out and repaired.  We can do the same thing with ours and the mechanic for our check engine light is the best there is since he made each of us.  Yes, I am talking about God.  He will forgive us as well as cleanse us.  He gives us strength and guidance and so much more.  It isn't easy but it is actually very cheap.  In fact it is a free gift.  The only thing you have to do is accept it. 
            "But that means I have to quit doing some of the things I like to do," you say.  That is part of repenting.  You admit to your sins and that they are sins.  This means that you recognize what you are doing is wrong.  The only question is, "if you know it is wrong and you need rescue from it, why would you want to do it again?"  Sure, you should give up the wrong things you did, but this is a result of doing what is right and repenting, not a cost for it.  Think of it this way, you get your car fixed after the check engine light comes on.  The mechanic tells you that the problem was due to you driving over curbs all the time.  Concerned about making your car last longer, you stop driving over curbs.  Was that a cost, or correcting the error of your ways?  You see, changing what you do is not a cost of salvation, but a result and a correction.  It means giving up immediate gratification for lasting salvation.  It means giving up the now for the later. 
             So, have you had your check engine light looked at by the mechanic?  Or are you ignoring it, hoping it gets better? 
             Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.