Who Needs Those Road Signs Anyway? Awake Series, Part 20
"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