Drivers cheered, honked, and waved on Sept. 19 as they drove across the new Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis. The new bridge replaced the bridge that collapsed on Aug. 1, 2007, killing 13 people and injuring 145. The project had been fast-tracked by officials, so locals demonstrated their gratitude with shouts and honks.
Bob WeathersThe composition of the bridge is nothing special. It is concrete, rather than steel. Not too flashy or fancy. Just functional. Yet, the bridge has a hidden feature that distinguishes it from its predecessor and, actually, from most bridges in the nation. This bridge is a “smart bridge.” Embedded in the bridge are 323 sensors that record data and generate valuable information about the bridge’s reactions to stress and strain from traffic and the harsh Minnesota climate.
Alan Phipps, the design manager for the project, explained that the sensors are not designed to warn of an impending disaster. Instead, the sensors detect small problems before they become big problems. “What these sensors are for,” he reflected, “it’s like going to your doctor for a health checkup. It’s to ensure you’re maintained in top shape so you never get close to having a serious problem.”
That’s an analogy we can all understand. Take care of yourself. Become sensitive to the signs the body uses to signal health problems. Then, not only are you less likely to suffer a collapse, you are more likely to perceive something is wrong before you ever get weak enough to crumble.
The same is true of our spiritual health. To cultivate a healthy spiritual condition, we have to heed the sensors that signal problems. Paul elaborates on this in Ephesians. Does your thought life demonstrate healthy spiritual growth (4:17)? What about the attitudes produced by your thoughts? Are they Christlike (4:23)? And your language? If the words that flow from your mouth are the measure of your spiritual health, how are you doing (4:29; 5:4)? And don’t forget the things that you are doing that you think no one else knows about, but which might signal a crack in the concrete (5:12).
If we are to live long and productive lives in service to Christ, we need to consider the regular maintenance of our spiritual lives. What are your sensors telling you?