CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. (Psalm 11:4-5 ESV). It's a small rectangle hidden among the gauges clustered on the instrument panel behind the steering wheel. It flashes briefly when you turn the ignition on, along with other system checks like anti-lock brakes, to let you know the system is ready to perform its prescribed job. After briefly flashing at start-up indicating all is well, it is blank and dormant as you drive happily on your way. What happens, however when inexplicably, it glows yellow and warns, "Check Engine?” What do you check and why? The engine shows no obvious signs of anything except running down the road in good condition. The Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board established regulations requiring on-board diagnostics systems on cars and light-duty trucks (pickups, vans and SUVs) beginning with the 1994 model year. All '96 and newer cars and trucks have a powerful computer which uses second-generation on-board diagnostics, or OBDII, technology. The purpose of the OBDII system is to ensure proper emission-control system operation for the vehicle's lifetime by monitoring emission related components and systems for deterioration and malfunction. When the OBDII system determines that an emission problem exists, the computer illuminates the dashboard light indicating "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" or displays an engine symbol. This light, usually yellow in color, serves to inform the driver that a problem has been detected and vehicle service is needed. The system is also continuously checking information from the engine and transmission sensors against data stored in its memory. When one of hundreds of faults is found, the check engine light comes on and stays on. This can mean many things, from an oxygen sensor malfunction to a fouled spark plug. It may be no more than a gas cap not fully tightened. The continuous light tells the driver that something is amiss, and to bring the vehicle in for service. This is usually not an emergency situation and it isn't necessary to immediately bring the car to the dealership. However, you shouldn’t drive for more than a few days with the light on. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a “Check Engine Light” installed in our bodies? We do have a powerful “on-board computer.” The Holy Spirit’s presence within us is the voice of reason in our lives. Sometimes it is merely a small voice of warning, while at other times it is a blaring siren. Tragically, there are those who have come to ignore the warnings and merely “drive on.” Perhaps you’re doing that now. Take a few moments and listen to the voice of God directing you. Confess your sin. Ask for the power to change your life. It will amaze you how much better you will feel.