by David Scott Robertson
“…a mechanical device for automatically controlling the speed of an engine by regulating the intake of fuel, steam, etc.” – Webster’s New World Dictionary
I want to share a few thoughts about “the governor”.
No, not the kind of governor that is the political head of a state:
The kind that slows things down.
Perhaps you’ve been to an amusement park that rented go-carts.
Even though you mash the medal all the way down,
The go-cart goes up to a certain MPH and no faster.
Why? The governor.
We could list other devices that have governors limiting the speed at which something happens.
Governors are intended to provide safety, prevent engine burnout and extend engine life.
I experienced a different sort of governor today.
My alarm clock is set for 3:56am every morning.
That’s the time when I want to get up in order to get into my day.
The early bird gets the worm, you know.
After all, he who gets up late must jog all day to catch up.
You see, I want it all.
I want meaningful Bible study.
I want quality prayer time.
I want an exhilarating exercise workout.
I want a healthful breakfast.
I want to listen to a personal development cassette or read a chapter from an Inspirational book.
I want to kiss my wife, hug my daughter, pet my dog,
And burst off to work, clean, exercised and spiritually filled,
Ready to do exploits for God.
And I want all that done before 9am.
Well, today, my eyes opened and the large LED display of my digital clock read 7:00.
Why? The governor.
My internal governor said,
“David, you need more rest.
“You’re plumb tuckered out, man.
“Boy, you’ve got to slow down today.
“You’re worn out, dude.”
I hate it when that happens, don’t you?
My mind, my expectations, my plans, my goals and intentions
Are more or less scheduled on getting up around 4am (with little flexibility)
And hitting the ground running.
What ‘s that you say? Bondage? Legalism? Stupidity?
I think not.
At least, I think I think not.
Well, it doesn’t matter what I think today:
My body had other plans this morning and I couldn’t drag my weary carcass out of bed.
My physiological governor said,
“Nope, I intend to provide your body with safety, prevent burnout and extend engine life.”
As much as I hate to admit it, I can relate to the apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane: -
(Mat 26:40 NIV) “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter.
(Mat 26:41 NIV) ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. the spirit is willing but the body is weak.’”
I can’t wait for that glorified body that has no governor.
A governor-ectomy will have been performed to remove all limitations!
I can’t wait for Heaven where there is no sun and no night and no sleep!
Praise God, there is coming a day when we shall be like Him,
For shal see Him as He is.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Until then, Lord, please help to complete the work you have called me to do
In spite of my body’s governor.
DSR, August 4, 1998