This is a Casting Crowns song called ‘Slow Fade’ which was played at my church last Sunday. I wanted to post the video and a few thoughts about the impact the song had on me.

 

My husband is the kind of guy that details our vehicles with a toothbrush and obsesses over washing and waxing techniques. He usually spends an entire Saturday morning meticulously pampering our vehicles, both inside and out. We’ve always had decent vehicles with little rust or damage but it’s not like they were luxury sedans or anything.

One morning, both curious and slightly annoyed by the extravagant process, I went out and asked him why he bothered investing so much time and energy on his day off to clean our run-of-the-mill vehicles. He replied back very seriously and equally as annoyed, “It’s not just about cleanliness. It’s maintenance.” Then he carried on about his work.

Looking back at that moment the importance of maintenance is abundantly clear. This is especially true in our spiritual walk as Christians. Build up can happen over a period of days, weeks, months, or even years. It’s often a slow fade. How bad do we let it get before we do something about it? The longer it goes, the more likely it is to cause collateral damage to our peace and joy.

Has life piled up and built up so bad that you’ve completely forgotten why you believe? Do not fret. Restoration comes from Jesus. He does the dirty work as long as we go to Him to get cleaned up.

How much time do you spend maintaining your walk with the Lord? Christian maintenance is daily and yes, it takes work. Here’s an acrostic to help you remember to WORK daily at your faith to prevent a slow fade:

　

W alk in and toward the light

“Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord” Isaiah 2:5

If we humbly and willingly walk according to the teaching of the Bible and in the love and grace of Christ Jesus, God lights the path for us to His way.

O pen your eyes and ears to God at work all around you

God is always at work and uses us to help accomplish it. Recognizing and watching for God’s activity so that you are prepared to respond for action. You can  keep your eyes and ears open by repenting and confessing whenever sin enters your life.

 

R emember God’s Word and promises

When the going gets tough it is helpful to remember the faithful promises of God so you can persevere and be encouraged.

 

K nock obstacles out of your way

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” James 4:7

God already defeated Satan by the deathof Jesus Christ on the cross. Resist the devil and he has to leave you alone. Don’t let him deceive you into thinking that he is an obstacle that cannot be overcome. We already have the victory!