Hazardous Drivers

Normally, things don't bother me. It takes a lot to stir me up to the point of reacting. However, something that really challenges my peace is to get behind a driver who is discourteous or simply doesn't pay attention to what he or she is doing.

We live in the country and the roads aren't flat and, in many cases, they're anything but straight. A driver not staying in his lane but straddling the center line, leaving no room for oncoming traffic, is not only discourteous but unsafe. I'm sure you've encountered similar drivers who, for any number of reasons, shouldn't be on the road.

I began to think about these center-line drivers not too long ago and realized that my issue with such drivers has a spiritual basis … either drive on one side of the road or the other—driving down the middle is not only unacceptable but mortally dangerous. The fact is, Jesus made reference to this very same problem:

"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)

According to this scripture, living (or driving) on the "center line" just won't get it. It's either hot or cold … one side of the road or the other. He wants us to make our choice and live within the boundaries of that choice. It's either one way or the other; the "in-between," in fact, is abominable or spewable…totally unacceptable to Him and spiritually dangerous for us.

Everywhere we go we see people who are not committed to anything. It is almost an epidemic. People will not (for various reasons) commit to much at all. Not to their families—look at divorce rates. Not to their employers (or employees)—look at the jobless rates. Not to their commitment to raise their children—look at how many children are raised by daycares, video games and television. And, certainly not to God Himself. In essence, people find it hard to make any type of true, lasting commitment.

Commitment is the vehicle by which we live our Christian life. Commitment is not half-way or "center-line." It's not lukewarm. Commitment is giving of oneself wholly and completely to God and His service, not sometimes, or every once in a while. Commitment is all; it's jumping in with both feet with nothing held back. Commitment is being a Christian in every area of our lives, not just on Sunday, not just when we're with other Christians, not just when we feel like it. Commitment is being a Christian ALL the time. Commitment is choosing a "lane" and sticking to it by exercising caution, diligence, and restraint. Commitment is a life of discipline.

The lukewarm, non-committed Christian is, in God's own words, not pleasing to Him at all. An abomination . . . spewable.

If you're not a committed Christian, sold out and giving ALL of yourself to the Lord and to His service, please take time today to search your heart. Confess your sins of lukewarmness and make a commitment, a REAL and lasting commitment to serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And, for safety's sake, drive on the right side of the road!

Our God is worthy of all we can give, and so much more. He deserves our total commitment in every area of our lives.

Father, thank you, Lord, for showing me what is important to You. Father, please help me to be "hot" at all times, not compromising, and always committed. Lord, I love you and truly desire to serve You all the days of my life in a manner that is pleasing to You regardless of what it costs me personally and always for your glory, Amen.

© Jan Ross
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