One New Year’s Day in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit moving. The crew quickly checked for the problem.

It was simple – it was out of gas. The person in charge had been sure that the float looked just great...but had failed to fill up the gas tank of the tow vehicle.

I come across a lot of people who are in a similar condition. Folks who look all beautiful and fine on the outside...with appearance well cared for...perhaps designer clothes or at least new, fashionable clothes, and of course, with a ready smile.

When asked how they are doing, these folks will often respond with a confident affirmation that all’s well. And they will often go about their daily tasks at home or work as if things are just great in life.

But underneath...they are “running out of gas”.

Not just by being tired or weary...but with spiritual reserves running mighty low.

For in many ways our fast food culture has bled over into our approach to the spiritual life...as if a quick prayer here or an occasional worship service there is enough to keep our souls strong and healthy.

Rather, just as our bodies need regular and healthy nourishment, so do our souls. But Christians often neglect such spiritual maintenance...and that leads to empty spiritual gas tanks.

Perhaps its time to check your soul gauge. And if you note that you are feeling distant from God, or have stopped praying much, or let faithful worship attendance slide, or haven’t picked up a Bible in awhile...then perhaps its time to “fill ‘er up.”

Running out of gas in a parade is no big deal.

Running out of spiritual strength in the midst of life’s many challenges and temptations IS a problem...
...and you can prevent it.