More than I’d like to admit, my lower back slips or gets whacked out of place. It used to happen while snowboarding, playing flag football, and the like. Now, just looking at a vacuum or a bed that needs sheets changed unnerves my spine. When the discomfort persists, I make an appointment with our trusted chiropractor to get relief.

Like a spine, our spiritual lives also need regular adjustments. Misalignment with God’s Word may exist whether we are in pain or not. Perhaps we are not living life to the fullest because we’ve lost our spiritual range of motion and are stuck, not maturing or growing in the Lord. Or, our priorities may be out of place.

Worship, God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers are a few things that help keep us in alignment.

Worship reminds us who we are and who God is. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7).

His Word reveals His will for our lives, gives guardrails and directions. It’s up to us whether we make adjustments to stay in line. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

Finally, regularly connecting with other believers provides encouragement and accountability. The apostle Paul taught, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We shouldn’t miss opportunities to attend church and be involved in a small group. Both help keep us in line.

May we surrender to God’s alignment and go forth stronger than ever!