SPEED TRAP AT 3:00 A.M?
I recall traveling along a two-lane highway early one morning about 3 a.m.
The speed limit posted at the entrance of a little town was 20 miles per hour. I had been traveling 60 and was not about to slow down, not at three o’clock in the morning.
And…I didn’t.
Kawhoom! I barreled through that little town, realizing that if the town marshal was awake, I’d get a ticket.
There didn’t seem to be a soul around as I hurtled through that wide spot in the road.
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror, half expecting to see a car lurching from some side street and heading after me—red lights flashing.
But there was nothing. Finally, I hit the “Resume Safe Speed” sign. This was it. I had gotten away with breaking the law. I looked back in the mirror, greatly relieved.
It reminds me of the Bible verse already quoted:
The work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever (Isaiah 32:17).
WHY IS HE FOLLOWING ME?
Have you ever been driving on a freeway and suddenly spotted a state trooper cruising behind you?
Why is he following me?
You glance at your speedometer.
I’m only going 55.
Isn’t that a comfortable feeling? The relief of correct behavior.
Recently, I was riding in a friend’s car. We were in a hurry to get to an office but couldn’t find a parking place. So he decided to take a chance on putting the car in a “No Parking” area.
Rarely have I done business so quickly. My friend was pressing the entire time–and very relieved to get back out on the street!
The student, my friend, and I are all alike. We do what we want to.
When we violate our own commitments, we must live with the tension that accompanies it. We don’t break God’s laws without paying a personal price.
“THAT’S A DUMB SIGN!”
Recently I was on an elevator. There was a “No Smoking” sign on the wall. A man got on with a lighted cigarette. He said:
“That’s a dumb sign.”
It may be, but he was violating it. And he knew it.
There are many signs that tell us what to do:
Wait to Be Seated
Visitors Only
No Parking
Quiet Please
Remit Before the 15th
One Way
Keep Off the Grass
Turn Left
There is no end. Many rules to be obeyed. Play within the rules, and you’re comfortable. Do otherwise, and you’re uncomfortable. Consider what the Bible has to say:
… each one examine his own work… in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another (Galatians 6:4)
… want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise of the same…if you do what is evil, be afraid…for…an avenger…brings wrath upon the one who practices evil (Romans 13:3-4).
A WORD ABOUT GUILT
I have found guilt is only a problem with people who pretend to be sorry for something they have done, but intend to do it again.
Guilt is no problem to the repentant person, no matter what he has done, if there is a willingness not to repeat the mistake.
If you follow God’s commandments, you will watch your self-respect grow, and you will be on the way to becoming indestructible.
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Review Questions:
1. What is the pleasure and fascination of life in?
2. What does the author describe as a most satisfying lifestyle?
3. The intent to _________________, the effort to _____________________ _______________________, leads to peace. Your choices are within your ______________________________.
4. You don’t break God’s laws (disobey authority) without paying a personal price of _____________________________________.
5. If you _______________________________________________, you will watch your self-respect grow, and you will be on the way to becoming indestructible.
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