Defensive Driving
As I was on the way to the office this morning, after having dropped the kids off at school, I was navigating the usual obstacle course of traffic and the idea for this post occurred to me. For as long as I can remember being taught anything about driving an automobile, I remember being taught to be a defensive driver. I’ve been involved in several auto accidents over the years. A few of them have been significant ones. Once, I fell asleep at the wheel on the interstate and rear-ended another car. A speeding car slammed into the side of our Mustang as my wife and I were returning home after a check up at the doctor when she was very pregnant. Several years ago, I ran off the road, hit a culvert, and filpped our van, totalling it. I am deeply grateful to God for protecting my family and me through all of that, and hope never to be involved in an auto accident again as long as I live.
The point is this: some of those accidents were all my fault–either I was not paying attention, or was driving too fast, but I could have avoided even the ones that weren’t my fault if I had been driving defensively. I try to drive defensively all the time now. Driving defensively involves several things. You cannot exceed the speed limit and claim to be driving defensively. Being a defensive driver means being patient, cautious, watchfull, and always aware of what the other guy is doing; knowing that there are speed-demons and devil-drivers out there that could very well injure or kill someone with their carelessness and aggression. I hope you’ll all become defensive drivers, but, as you have likely guessed, the point I really want to make here is spiritual.
We’re all on a spiritual journey through life toward an eternal destination (Matt 7:13-14). Along this road of life there are many twists and turns. Needless to say, there are a lot of other drivers going along these roads; some travelling along with consideration for others, some heedless of the consequences of their actions driving quite recklessly. Not only so, but Satan, the ultimate road-rager, pursues us, cuts us off, and tries to run us off the road. Nothing would please him more than to send your life flipping and crashing into a heap of smoking ruin. So, there is great need for all of us to drive defensively in a spiritual sense.
How about some tips to help us all become spiritual defensive drivers? I’ll suggest a few, and look forward to you all offering more. (1) Don’t speed. James wrote, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14 ESV). You’ll reach your destination soon enough as is. Don’t wish time away. Don’t worry about tomorrow (Matt 6:34). Just live for God right now. Do what you can do, be at peace, and enjoy the ride. (2) Keep your eyes on the road. The devil offers us all many temptations in hope that we will lose focus on what really matters and become entranced by the sights along the way. While there is nothing at all wrong with enjoying the good things in life, we must maintain control, and continue to focus on the important things. Too many people have become enamored with the trasures and pleasures of this world and have careened off a proverbial cliff unprepared for eternity. Sad, sad, sad. Remember what Jesus said: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 ESV). Finally, (3) watch out for reckless drivers. The Scriptures are full of warnings about the evil influence of sinful people (Phil 3:17-18; 1 Cor 15:33). Do not entwine your life with friendships that make it difficult to be holy, rather surround yourself with people whose influence will help you to be faithful to Jesus, and so reach the desired destination. May God bless you richly as you strive to learn of him and grow in his service! Post your own wisdom about spiritual defensive driving.
—JLP
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2 Responses to “Defensive Driving”
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I can think of two more you might want to add:
1) Make sure others see you. Matt. 25:37-40 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?…” Perhaps if others see our intentions of living a Christian life, they will either: a) become interested and follow your lead OR b) avoid the SCARY Christian dude OR c) attempt to lead you to their sinful life, which leads us to number 2.
2) Leave yourself an out. Have a plan of escape. 1 Cor. 10:13 “…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Thanks!
—JLP