Do You Obey the
Rules of the Road?
Good Morning Friends,
If Christians had a bumper sticker on their vehicles asking others to call in to a number to rate their effectiveness as witnesses to Christ’s commandments perhaps we would respond with greater obedience to the limits set on us. But who wants that legalism? Even though it is easier after the season has slowed down, I have to wonder if there is not an easier way to peace on the pavement…joy on the journey. Perhaps safety precautions can help us. Perhaps even prayer with our eyes wide open might help us avoid a ticket. So, Do You Obey the
Rules of the Road?
Scripture: Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called–that you might inherit a blessing. For “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSV)
Jesus said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 (NRSV)
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalm 139:23 (NIV)
6By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one avoids evil.
Proverbs 16:6 (NRSV)
Message: Ever wonder if the world would be a better place if Christians needed a license to practice our faith? Wouldn’t that be absolutely awful? There is enough testing going on and test anxieties to make the whole next generation of youth neurotic. Another test is not the answer. Ask a teacher. So today’s message is not about legalities and certification exams or final exams but more about how to have a life that matters and daily connects forgiveness, obedience, fear and love. It is about living a changed life. It is about a different pace of life. It is about responding to the call of our Lord and Savior…finding a purposeful peace in the rhythm of life. Here we are to be relational not reactive, we are to be active in love, directional and part of a greater movement so as not to get trapped in the heavy traffic. We are to stop making excuses to avoid doing the right thing. We are to treat each other with love. And if we fully love we pass the only test that really matters. Here we are to find hope together and share it for that is how we relate to the Lord. On God’s Highway of Hope we are to realize that nothing under God’s control is out of control. There are divine appointments we need to get to, but on the journey to them we need to realize that we still must witness on the way. Witness God’s law of love. Here love, fear, forgiveness and obedience can all mean the same thing. Practice them in concert. Travel with them as companions. Learn you cannot love God without having the fear of God in you. You cannot love Him without obeying His Word. And you do not truly fear God unless you love and obey Him. Know we are not saved by being sinless. Still we have been forgiven and so need to become servants of righteousness. We need to obey out of love otherwise we are not ready to face the judge. Go and sin no more.
Pray we make the best choices. Pray
when we are confronted with heavy traffic and people rushing to their next appointment that we respond with confidence and hope, patience and peace. Pray we not rush when we are anxious about failing in the love of another least we sin in the process. Pray when confronted with a test that we rely not on our own understanding alone but also on the Peace of Christ. Pray we believe that when we arrive at our destination we will not be disappointed. Pray we not be anxious. Pray we are honest. Pray we trust God and obey. Pray we not worry about failing because we believe in the grace of God. Pray we realize that Jesus connects love with obedience in ways we might not expect. Pray we are doers of the Word as servants of righteousness because we love.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 