Spiritual Lessons from the Electric Train

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. — Jeremiah 29:11, ESV

In 1896, the first electric train set was sold.  Since that time pictures of an electric train circling the base of a Christmas tree have become relatively common.  If this is not something you personally have, you have probably seen pictures of an enraptured little boy crouched at the tree watching his new toy train make its way around and around. Perhaps you are more familiar with the Christmas picture book, The Polar Express, or the motion picture of the same title. 

In the beginning, these electric trains were placed under the tree as a gift for some fortunate youngster to find on Christmas morning.  Now, those little boys have grown up and become fathers or grandfathers.  The train under the tree carries memories and nostalgia … a traditional toy that takes us back to simpler times.  

The electric train, however, is rich with spiritual lessons on which we can meditate.  These spiritual lessons can be passed on to our loved ones, maybe accompanying the gift of an electric train to put at the base of their Christmas tree. 

First, the electric train must be plugged into a power source in order for it to function and fulfill its purpose.  It is not very entertaining if it sits there without any power.  As Christians we, too, must be sure that we are tapped into our power source.  Yes, we can push ourselves along in our own power, much like we can push our train around its tracks.  It doesn’t take long, though, before we begin to see that this just doesn’t work smoothly, and we get tired of the constant need for a reset.  We aren’t productive, and we aren’t fulfilling our purpose any more than an electric train without power. We must be connected to the Power of God, through Christ our mediator to be productive citizens of the kingdom of God.  (John 15)

A second lesson for us to explore comes from the tracks. All electric trains have a path laid out before them.  As the train slowly travels this path there are few problems for the toy train to encounter.   Children quickly begin to experiment with their little toy that is calmly chugging around and around.  They learn that they can adjust the speed of their little train; faster and faster it begins to go.  At one point, though, that little train will jump it’s track while speeding too quickly around a corner, and then there are problems.  As the little engineer becomes more familiar with his train and the track that he has laid for it, he knows what points may cause a problem for those high speeds.  He knows when he can make his train go full steam ahead and just when to slow the train down to keep it safely on its track. 

Just as we might creatively lay the track for an electric train, then guide it around the corners at a careful speed, God knows the path he has laid for us.  He  has created each of us with a particular purpose.  He knows the challenges which lie ahead.  He knows the points in our journey where there will be difficulties and struggles.  But, God also knows exactly what we need, and when we need it.  If we are careful to keep our hearts and minds focused on Him, we will not jump the track. We may find pain and difficulties, but He knows just how to guide us through these difficult times as we stay plugged into His source of power.

Finally, trains are often equated with single mindedness because trains must stay on the track.  We even have a saying about a “one track mind.” What does this have to do with the Christian life? We are called to a particular purpose; a life devoted to God’s will.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37 the first and greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Living true to this calling is only possible when we are both connected to the power source and on the right track. 

Digging Deeper: Psalm 16, 23, 27, 119:33-37, 119:105; Proverbs 2, 5:21; John 14:5-18

Prayer: Lord, I want to be connected to your power and travel the tracks of your purpose for my life.  I look to you as my conductor, the One who knows the path before me, to guide and direct my every step. Give me a "one track mind" fully devoted to you.

Reflection:

Where have I strayed from the path God has laid out for me?  Where have I become distracted with the cares of this world? How can I more firmly connect to the power source of the Christian life?