No Backseat Driving

Ninety-nine percent of people boldly offer their "expert" opinions from the sidelines while being unqualified and unwilling to participate in the actual game. 

With regards to travel, we've all experienced something similar (with some exceptions): unsolicited driving instructions freely offered by a passenger. "Backseat driving" can result in a stressful and even dangerous environment. And although the person may be knowledgeable and qualified, unless invited to help navigate, for most, this is unwelcome annoyance.

Spiritually speaking, if we have accepted Jesus as Lord, Savior, and Master of our lives, then the Bible says that each of us has become a new creature in Christ. That "old man" you were now takes a back seat to the new man you are becoming. However, cries from that old man is an attempt to put you right back on the road you once traveled. Heeding his directions will, most assuredly, result in him being placed right back in the driver's seat.

LIVEGOOD - HELPING YOU STAY MISSION-READY AND CAPABLE

The Word tells us we encounter a daily struggle with whom we allow to help us down this highway of life. And although voices from both friend and foe attempt to sway our decisions, God offers us His Holy Spirit as the professional driving instructor and navigator.

God will never force himself into the driver seat - that's your position - while receiving assistance is your decision. Choose navigation rather than aggravation.

NASCAR Drivers

Ok. Full transparency. One of the personal motivators for this series of parables is my ever-increasing frustration with other drivers. There. I said it.

Because my place of employment is over 150 miles from home, you can guess that I spend quite a bit of time on the road each week. With every trip, I'm traversing rural, state, and federal highways always bustling with local and interstate traffic. Each exposure brings me into a state of frustration with those who blatantly break traffic law or are inconsiderate for the safety of others. 

I confess that I'm not the greatest driver in the world. There are some people who may have these same issues with me. But in my defense, I strive to obey the law and take others into account with every driving decision made. Everyone else... "What do you think you are, a NASCAR driver?" Yep. That's my exact thought. (Please forgive.)

LIVEGOOD - HELPING YOU STAY MISSION-READY AND CAPABLE

Spiritually speaking, we all barrel through life self-absorbed and thinking that we're immortal without considering the impact of our actions on those around us. Most of the time, such "driving" affects only ourselves. And, even though self-preservation and self-care is important, the damage that sometimes occurs can be fairly contained. On the other hand, "reckless driving" - decisions made without consideration for others - can cause multi-car pileups on this road of life which we travel together.

God says in His Word that the greatest commandment is to love Him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength; the second greatest, love your neighbor. Are you thinking of others as you navigate through life? Or, are you only thinking of yourself?

Life is not to be handled like a NASCAR race, but rather like a family road trip.