Before you start your engines:
Know where you are going- Do you know where you are headed? Don't wander through life, but have a focused approach and plan so you do not get lost.
Use your GPS- the Bible is our best tool for the journey, it tells us where we are and how to get to our destination. If you hit a "traffic jam" or "bad weather" it can direct you safely around it. If you do get lost a GPS will help you find your way back on the path.
Check your tires- assessing your vehicle is critical to a good start. Our vehicle is our body and we are to care for our temple. A flat tire can seriously slow down our progress.
Check your mirrors- take a good hard look at yourself. God looks at our heart condition and we need to, as well.
Change your oil- after introspection, what needs to change? Is there sludge or gunk building up inside of us?
While you are driving:
Focus and keep your eyes on the road- You don't drive by looking out the right and left window! Stop looking at your neighbor and pay attention to what you are doing or you will crash!
Avoid distractions- cell phones(unbalanced social life), texting(spontaneous interruptions), putting on lipstick(focusing on worldly standards or acceptance) are all traps set to cause a collision.
Always wear your seat belt- staying close to God will help protect you and keep you from flying out the car window in a crash!
Getting back on the road:
If you get lost- call out to God, the Ultimate OnStar!
Run out of gas- call out to God, the Awesome Provider!
End up in a ditch- call out to God, the Complete Triple A!
Hit a tree- call out to God, the Mighty Tow Truck!
Crash into another- go to God, the Loving Restorer!
I know this is may seem a bit silly, but the other day I was driving and thought back on my Drivers Ed experience and saw this parallel with the Christian experience. Having an "almost ready to drive" child in the car I thought of all the Biblical truths I could share with her when she will be focused on learning the rules of the road.
I challenge you to think about your journey next time your in the car and see if God brings to your mind other intersections where you can draw a line connecting your spiritual journey to a physical one. I never did learn to parallel park...but God isn't done with me yet!
Scripture for study:
Psalm 25
Proverbs 15:19
2 Tim 3:16
1 Cor 6:19
1 Sam 16:7
1 John 1:9
Matthew 7:1-3
1 John 2:15-16
Rom 12:2
Psalm 31:4
Psalm 34:6
Matt 9:27-30
Luke 19:10
1Pet 4:11
Isaiah 58:12
