While I don’t specifically know how a car is aligned, I do know alignment is very important. When a car is severely misaligned, the driver can feel it pull toward the side of the road even while holding the steering wheel. Slight to moderate misalignment is more difficult but not impossible to notice. Misalignment in an automobile causes uneven and rapid tire wear as well as lack of steering responsiveness. In addition, misalignment causes added vibration throughout the vehicle that increases wear and tear on the vehicle as a whole.

When a person is out of alignment, they have difficulty listening to others and giving focused attention. They may appear to be listening but are not fully focused. Signs of misalignment include being easily or quickly worn out, neglecting important parts of life like exercise and healthy eating, and drifting from usual habits like regular meals, a good night’s sleep, and daily devotions. Other signs include struggling to keep up with the routine of work and noticing a severe decline in overall attitude.

When a person is out of alignment in any area, they are headed for a more serious situation such as significant illness, depression, and destruction of relationships. Misalignment is a warning sign that we must heed if we expect to prevent some of the more serious situations that can take us completely out of commission.

Assessing Your Alignment

The following guidelines can help assess your alignment and steer you toward a straighter path.

1. Plan for inclement weather. Since I live in Michigan, I know the weather can change in a heartbeat and often does so half a dozen times in one day. Similarly, life can change in an instant, and we must be as aligned as possible when struggles, trials, and tragedies hit because they will eventually hit. Keeping up with basic maintenance – healthy eating, exercise, daily prayer, and devotions, etc. – can help keep you between the lines when the road gets rough.

2. Ask for help. Just like we need a mechanic to align our vehicles, we also need others to help keep our lives aligned. Establish your marriage as a place of safety, refuge, and help by using solid Marriage Maintenance Tips. Learn Be Accountable. Place yourself under a Bible-believing, preaching, and teaching minister. Always remember that No Man is An Island.

3. Develop a preventative maintenance plan. I get monthly alignments at a chiropractor with the belief that this allows my body to function at its highest potential. Each individual’s plan is unique, but each individual needs to have a plan.

Take time to assess your alignment. Evaluate the various areas of your life – spiritual, physical, mental, and social – to identify any areas of misalignment. Begin this evaluation process with a time of prayer asking for God’s perspective on each area. Focus on making your relationship with Christ your primary concern, then follow His plan for staying aligned.