“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
Proverbs 4:25-27
Poor driving habits are a serious pet-peeve of mine – and they seem to come out in force during the holidays. Specifically, the habits that put others in danger. Like what, you ask? High-speed lane changes in heavy traffic, tailgating, not using blinkers, the list could go on and on. I often find myself biting my tongue and gritting my teeth in anger and frustration instead of praying for peace and safety for that distressed driver. But why? Why do we focus so much on others that we begin to drift over the centerline ourselves?
The anonymity of being behind the wheel of a vehicle can blind us with bravado and embolden our sense of entitlement. Whether it is simply letting a vehicle merge in front of you or smiling and waving as someone brandishes their favorite finger, we have an opportunity to be like Him every day. When I struggle on the road I think about Matthew 20:27-28 which says, “and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If we are to cross the threshold into Heaven we must put ourselves last on Earth. And in our heart. He wants us to serve our brothers and sisters with a smile and compassion – not hostility and resentment. We know our good deeds do not save us, but fully investing our heart into the work we do certainly helps us walk closer.
Sometimes we get so caught up with what is happening around us that we begin to drift ourselves. Whether it is the traffic, our personal life, or hot coffee on our lap – it seems nearly impossible to stay focused on the destination. While our attention may falter at times, Christ waits with open arms. Always ready to receive us.
We’re all headed somewhere – in different lanes and at slightly different speeds. It is our job as Christians to demonstrate that kindness he extended us on the cross in every moment of our lives. We have no right judging someone else’s path, and spending too much time dwelling on it often leads to a rumble strip wake-up call. Jesus, take the wheel.