Rust Does Not Just Happen -- Inktober 23 #rust

The ironic thing, writing about rust, is that I drive a 13 year old station wagon with 223,249 miles on the odometer.  So far, so good.  But I know that car's inevitable demise will probably not be something huge like a failed engine or transmission, but one tiny little rusted screw.

In our lives as well, it's typically not the big stuff that trips us up, but that precious rusty little idol, so far beneath appearances, until it is not so hidden anymore.

Rust does not just happen.  It is the result of the corrosive attitude of It doesn't matter. No one will know.  And quite frankly, the second law of thermodynamics fits in famously, as without intervention, everything moves from a state of order to a state of disorder. 

Rust corrodes what was once strong. It deteriorates and weakens. And at some point, it always reveals itself.  It does matter after all. And yes, others will witness its impact by how we live.

Just one verse in the Bible talks specifically about rust, that which corrodes and destroys.  But scripture abounds with uncountable verses that talk about gold. 

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.   Matthew 6.19-20

What are we letting into our lives?  Some stuff is prone to rust.  But other things are impervious to it.  Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.  Against such things there is no [rust].  Galatians 5. 22-23

The trajectory of our lives is defined by our everyday choices. What are we pursuing?  Or what are we neglecting?

"One place to start is simply to become aware of the everyday liturgies in your life." states James K. A. Smith in his book You Are What You Love.  Examining not just what we are doing, but what our habits, patterns and practices, are doing to us.  What are we weaving into the fabric of our lives?  These changes don't just suddenly appear without intention and attention.

We are becoming on a daily basis. 

So we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4. 16

We follow and serve a God who believes not in the dead end of rust, but restoring, renewing and redeeming.  He does not just cover up our rust with a coat of Rust-Oleum paint.  He makes all things new.