I just had a birthday last week, I must admit, being closer to 50 than 20 isn’t the least bit amusing. I feel it all over!
I spent my 37th birthday driving through the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida on my way to Tampa where I will be spending the next month serving our Lord. There’s nothing quite like a road trip to recharge my batteries!
Since I grew-up living out of a trailer going from one racetrack to another, being dragged around the Stock car racing circuit was a way of life and all that I knew. The road now brings me comfort, and witnessing fading sunsets along highways always fills my heart with peace.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans hit the road this past weekend as Memorial Day came to pass. A springboard to summer, it is amongst the busiest days on US highways. Many have lost their lives to accidents over the weekend; The rest of us carry on.
Where will you be driving next? Will you reach your destination or be amongst road fatalities? Worse yet, will you be responsible for another person’s demise? You know, your driving style is at the root of more than fuel consumption…
Driving responsibly is not rocket science! Rather, it is a state of mind. You can easily coach yourself to become a better driver, a safer driver.
First, SLOW DOWN and OBEY SPEED LIMITS!
Did you know driving 1 mile over the speed limit is a sin? Of course you did. So why do it? Because you’re in a hurry? My uncle Rolland was in no hurry when he was decapitated on his motorcycle trying to avoid a speeding car which hit him head on. The police found his head still tied inside his helmet some 300 feet from the point of impact.
I sure miss him.
Put the odds in your favor, obey speed limits, enjoy the magnificence of driving a vehicle on hand carved roads, wave to an old couple driving a white sedan in the passing lane, smile when irate drivers honk, enrich other drivers by pulling on your seat belt when you see them unbuckled… More importantly, obey the speed limit! Don’t do it because some bureaucrats decided 55 sounds like a nice even number, drive the speed limit because God commands you to.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:1-4)
The word of God commands us to obey the laws of the land, this includes the speed limit posted on any road. Do so and you shall receive His blessings. Ignore the law and I promise you will eventually be judged accordingly. Make a positive difference. It is the least you can do.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us, for your love.
We pray for your guidance and your wisdom
as we travel roads sculpted by man.
We pray for those who lost their lives on these roads
and ask you Lord to shine your light bright
on those who were left behind to mourn loves ones.
God, we thank you for your forgiveness in our sins
and pray you’ll lead us to walk in your footsteps,
to drive each day as if you were on board with us
and that you will help us realize the beauty behind driving!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
