Mr. Fix It please?

My world seemingly is a world of fixing things.

It seems like there is always something around the house or on one of my vehicles that needs some attention of one sort or another. I must admit that this would not be such a big deal but I am not the most mechanically inclined guy around.

However, through the years I have come to understand the process of assessment and correction when it comes to things like light fixtures, doors, noises in the car engine and things that leak, squeak or otherwise simply do not work like they are supposed to. I have discovered that it is normally well worth a little time, asking a few questions from the better informed, or simply using a little common sense to fix something than itwould be to just stick it in the shop. Along the way I have learned a few things and have saved a few dollars.

Sometimes when it comes to life we approach our trials and challenges like we are in need of a “Mr. Fix It.” Many times I have dealt with folks who are seeking council or spiritual direction and they communicate that if they could just get their problem fixed all would be well.

Now, do not misunderstand me, I understand that our troubles can really weigh us down, and it is only natural to call out to our Creator when this is the case. In fact, I believe God is exactly who we should run to in times of trouble. However, more often than not, what we are looking for in all actuality is a “Mr. Fix It.”

We desire that God would fix our marriages, fix our finances or fix our health. We really are not that interested in God’s glory as much as we are with our own remedy. We more often than not desire that our circumstance change instead of ever contemplating if perhaps we are the one who needs to change.

Please, do not misunderstand me. God is concerned and attentiveto our marriages, our families, our health and our life in general. I do however want to make the point that God is not our cosmic repair man. He did not send His Son Jesus so that our lives could be fixed. Jesus came not to fix your kids or your marriage, or whatever it is that ails you. Jesus came to FIX YOU.

The gospel is very simple in and that everything that is wrong with us is a result of our own sin nature and this fallen world.

You see, it is not all the other stuff that is broken, it is we who are broken because of sin. Jesus came to be our “Sin bearer” and He paid sins’ full debt price on the cross of Cavalry. He does not repair us - He remakes us! He does not give us a new part or new approach- He gives us NEW LIFE!

Do you need a little life repair? Then recognize that the answer is not in some temporal solution of fixing it up but it is in giving the whole and all of your life to the God man, Jesus Christ, who will forgive, transform and remake all of who you are, forgiving your sin and giving you His Spirit to direct and guide through life. He is no Mr. Fix It, He is the living, loving, forgiving, life-giving Lord of the universe.

Why don’t you do that today? Any Bible-believing, Christ-exalting, Gospel-centered church in our area would be more than happy to help you out in understanding thismore.

I would love to write more but I’ve got a back door squeaking and I’ve got to go give it some attention. See you in church this coming Sunday!

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Editor’s note: Jack Maddox is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Garfield.

Follow him on his blog at www.wordpress.jackmaddox.com, or e-mail him at [email protected].