Let's Never Rust Out!

On June 15, 1957, a brand-new Plymouth Belvedere was buried in a concrete vault under the courthouse lawn in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In June 2007, the car was unearthed as the city celebrated Oklahoma’s 100th year of statehood.

Over the years, water had seeped into the vault, turning the once shiny car into a rusted monument of the past. Similarly, spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal.

In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul commanded Timothy to: “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.“

Spiritual discipline requires continued activity throughout our lives (note the word “continue” or “continuance” in Romans 2:7; 2 Timothy 3:14; James 1:25; 2 John 1:9 NIV). If rest becomes our goal, then spiritual rust is not far behind.

As we age, our capabilities will vary, but pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should remain constant (1 Peter 1:13-16; 2 Peter 1:1-11).

Beloved, let’s never rust out!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets