Do you Drive 55?
In my teaching of Sunday School, on Romans Chapter 3, last week, we had a discussion of the Law – specifically the law given by God to the Jews. Paul was speaking to the Jews and showing them that they held a special place – not because they were Jewish, but because God gave them His ordinances directly. However, this did not give them special exemptions when it came to living their lives. Paul was showing that all were given the same standards when it came to salvation; both “Jew and Greek”.
In this lesson it also showed the reason for the law was not for salvation, but to point out the sin in our lives. No on can be saved by the law. The law can only point out the things in our lives that are sin. We also discussed the fact that if you break one of the laws, then you are guilty of breaking the whole law of God.
As part of this same discussion we spoke on the speed limit. The questions were asked, “If the speed limit was 55 miles per hour and you are going 80 miles per hour, are you breaking the law? What if you are going 56 miles per hour?” These questions sparked discussion on whether I, myself, never drove over the speed limit. I quickly confessed that I was guilty of breaking the law.
This got me to thinking. Why do I go over the speed limit? The answers that came to mind were the same answers that came out of the class. “You have to speed to keep from getting run over by everyone else who speeds.” “The people in front of me are just going way too slow.” “I have to hurry up and be there on time.” “It’s only speeding if you get caught.” None of the answers are sufficient – they are all just excuses I use to justify my actions.
Well, God got a hold of me about this. I purposed that this week I would be conscious of my speed and not go over the speed limit. Let me say, trying to stay at the appropriate speed limit has been a battle itself. I find that I would have to mentally and physically make myself not keep pressing the gas peddle so much. I had to make myself stay in the right lane where slower traffic is supposed to be. I had to make myself conscious of what the appropriate speed limit was in my area. It really surprises me that I was not cognizant of what the speed limit was on every road that I travel on a daily basis.
Now, here is the real kicker. I have stayed within the speed limit all week. I keep going over in my mind while driving to consciously watch how fast I am going. I’m being a good driver and following the law – right?! So, in doing the right thing, I should feel all happy and “righteous” for this. After all, doesn’t this make me a good person?
While I was being a good driver, I noticed everyone else around me seemed to be going really fast. People were rushing up behind me, putting on breaks, and hurriedly switching to the left lane to go around me. Some did not look very happy that I was being a good driver. Some drivers have ridden so close to my back bumper, they could have just come on into the back seat and ridden with me. I have gotten some haughty looks from the other drivers. But, you know what I told myself – “I’m doing the right thing and being the better person because of it. If they have a problem with that – then it’s there problem.” “Do they think they own the roads?” “If they are in such a hurry, then go around.” God bless there little speedy hearts!
[ENTER GOD!] Don’t you love those moments then God taps you on the shoulder and says, We need to talk. Oh! And the conversation went something like this:
Me: Yes, Lord.
God: Why are you looking at those other people and judging them?
Me: What do you mean?
God: I heard what you were thinking about those drivers that you thought were blowing you off the road. I know the thoughts you had about them. I could even sense a little anger – you would call it road rage – rising up in you.
Me: But, God. I’m doing the right thing here.
God: Good for you. You should always do the right thing. But, doing the right thing does not make you better than anyone else. By the way, I seem to remember last week, you were acting just like them.
I had started out with the purpose of doing the right thing and following the law. What God had to show me in this was my attitude towards others. When we are doing the right thing, it does please God. However, it does not give us any special merit in his book over anyone else. We do the right thing because God loves us – not to make God love us. I am thankful to Him for all he is showing me. I thank Him for the “God moments” in my live. I thank him for the lessons learned.
–Charlie Sharpe
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