Speed bumps v24n28

Speed bumps!

V24 n28

Part 2

When entering a motor vehicle, one seldom gives thought to all of the rules of the road which are applicable to them (the laws which pertain to safe vehicle operation). It is often apparent, that most people get in such a hurry or a rush, that they have to try to take or make short-cuts to make up for their inadequate planning, or failure to allow adequate time, in order to get to their destination in a safe and prudent manner.

John 14:21, He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. KJV

William's New Testament

John 14:21 Whoever continues to hold and keep my commands is the one who really loves me, and whoever really loves me will be loved by my Father; yes, I will love him myself and will make myself real to him."

So, if (when) a person is so quick to ignore the laws of the road when operating a motor vehicle, they become a danger not only to themselves, but also to all of those that are around them during the operation of the vehicle. If a person is this way with the laws of the land, won’t a person be just as apt to act the same way with God’s law of faith?

Weymouth's New Testament

John 15:10 If you obey my commands, you will continue in my love, as I have obeyed my Father's commands and continue in His love.

John 15:10, If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. KJV

As we talked about and shared in the last newsletter, how speed bumps can or should remind a person to be attentive and aware of the basic laws of the road in regards to being attentive and courteous to the safety of pedestrians. So too is it with God’s Word, it is an outline of safe operations for every day life or living, for the believer in their daily walk of now faith. (Do you recall Paul writing to Timothy about being the example of the believers? A believer is supposed to set the proper example for others to observe and follow.)

1 Timothy 4: 14. Stop neglecting the gift you received, which was given you through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you. 15. Continue cultivating these things; be devoted to them, so that everybody will see your progress. 16. Make it your habit to pay close attention to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for if you do you will save both yourself and those who listen to you. (Williams NT).

Often times in a persons life, they will make a list of all of the things which they need to do or accomplish during the day. Yet, how often will a person set a list of things for safe operation, when entering a motor vehicle? (In other words, do you remind yourself of all that you should do, to operate the vehicle in a safe and courteous manner, to ensure your safety and that of all those around you?) And we know, that in the majority of instances, that the answer is no!

Just as before the last newsletter, most people did not give much thought to a speed bump, or the implications of what it’s purpose is. Most people saw it nothing more then an inconvenience to them; that is unless they happened to be the pedestrian that was trying to cross the parking lot or a street. As it is in most instances, people only follow the rules or laws when it is of benefit to them.

2 Timothy 2: 14. Keep on reminding men of these things. Solemnly charge them before God to stop petty debating, which does no good at all but brings destruction on those who hear it. 15. Do your best to present yourself to God an approved workman who has nothing to be ashamed of, who properly presents the message of truth. 16. Continue shunning worldly, futile phrases, for they lead on to greater depths of godlessness, (Williams NT)

He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)

It should not make any difference what others are doing or saying, or how they are acting. Each believer has to study (hear and obey) the Word, seeking only God’s approval, and not that of man. Yet, how often, or how easy is it to follow or imitate the example of those who are around us? That is, to do that which they are doing?

Paul wrote to the Philippians that they should work out their own salvation with reverence and respect to and for God. One can only accomplish this as they heed Father’s chastening or correction (speed bumps), and apply that correction to their life, so as to be pleasing to Him.

How will you respond or react to the speed bumps that come into your life this day?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka