"Love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first
and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as
yourself." (Matt 22:37-39 NIV)
It is so easy to say we do love others. But somehow
once some of us get behind the wheel, some kind of transformation occurs and a
monster appears. The "King of the Road" mentality shines through, eradicating
any concerns we may have had for others.
We were warned that road work was ahead of us on
highway 95 in Northern Maine. Road signs clearly indicated that we were to merge
left, that the right lane would be closed for the next two miles. And as any
law-abiding citizen would do, I veered to the left.
However there were many who didn't even slow down, but
instead, zoomed past to the right. I momentarily had an envious thought. In my
younger days I might have done something similar! But truly I am much happier
now, and I don't wish for that monster that was in me to ever appear again!
In those days I thought that my self-fulfilling
actions would not impact others. Now I know otherwise, and I live with regret
for having hurt those I never meant to hurt. I was simply too full of myself.
Those who zoomed by us on the right lane had no idea
that their actions would cause lengthy delays to those in the left lane.
Eventually they had no choice but to pull to the left, for the right lane was,
indeed, torn up 2 miles ahead. They would have to comply to the signs, or be
stuck for what would seem an eternity.
This monster within us can be contained. The "I" can
be controlled, but not without the love coming from above. Strangely enough,
without realizing it, one day we will wake up and realize that we do indeed love
others the way Jesus does. One day we become aware that Jesus has taken His seat
in our hearts and His love has taken over our actions. It's then that we
exclaim: "Wow! You are truly an amazing God!"
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the
Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing
glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Cor 3:18 NIV)
"Christ lives in me." (Gal 2:20 NIV)
May our motto always be: "Don't let evil get the best
of you; get the best of evil by doing good." (Rom 12:21 he Message)
Why am I stuck in this ditch? Did I miss something?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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