Anyone who has tried to free a rusty hinge or rusted gear knows the difficulty. It is a hard job, a difficult process, and one that may break or damage, possibly irreparably, the parts of the machine being freed. Heat, torque, and chemicals might be the first level attempts to free the parts. A cutting torch or similar device might be used if the parts can’t be saved. One way or the other, the device has to be freed to return use and productivity. I often feel that I’m getting rusty as I age. However, ingrained habits and processes can get thoroughly stuck at any age and become excessively difficult to change.

Thought and emotion can become so intrenched in the soul that it can be considered no different than a gear fused to its counterpart through rust. The work to free the thought and emotion can easily be as extreme to the soul as compared to the efforts to release the rusted gear with the same risk of potentially destroying its parts. The heart and soul, so welded/rusted to the past, cannot see or acknowledge a new direction or movement away from the old direction without humility. Increments of effort, like chemical and torque, can push toward revelation, but it is the persistent effort that makes the difference. It is not a single-try ordeal. It takes a massive effort of energy and commitment to put the gear in motion or sever it from its locked position.

Rust are all those thoughts and feelings which keep a person locked in their past, unable to hear the Lord, hear their friends, or even hear their better inner selves. Many do not change because of the work required. The hinge or gear is bonded through its entire surface, not just a single point. Persons undergoing change are often embarrassed or injured by those who do not understand or have compassion for the work of gaining freedom, and often do not see their own rusty hinges or gears. Some people might wonder why their trials are so hard when it might just be the torque needed to remove rust.

This is a powerful image to me as I attempt to make changes in my life. It tells me, “Don’t give up. Take the risk. Use all the resources necessary. Don’t avoid the work and discomfort. Don’t be distressed when it takes longer than you think it should. Partner with others who can use their resources to help break the rust. Take whatever time and effort is required.” Staying rusted to the past is a guaranteed loss. Gaining freedom is worth any effort. Jesus is the author of freedom.