Do you obey the speed limit? Or do you carelessly drive as fast as you think you can get away with – sometimes at a reckless speed you know could be dangerous to yourself and others?

Then when you’re pulled over, do you lie, pretending you didn’t know what the speed limit was? Later, when you tell others about the experience, do you give an honest account of what happened, or do you play the victim, describing how unfair the officer was?

Do you trust that the rules of the road are for your safety? Or do you think the laws are a nuisance or obstacle to keep you from getting where you want to go? Are you convinced that your unique circumstances and above-average skills should exempt you from the rules?

“I’m running late, so I’ve got to go a little faster.”

“My drinking doesn’t affect my driving.”

“I can text and drive.”

The most common way I’m lured into exceeding the posted speed limit is when all the other drivers are doing it, too. I get caught up in their choices and find myself following along, foolishly motivated to keep up with them.

Until I see a police car.

Suddenly, my motivation changes. Suddenly, I start wising up, shying away from my foolish behavior. Suddenly, I turn back into a faithful law abider.

Not surprisingly, the way we drive reflects the way we live and think. Off the road, how often do we push the envelope, embellish the truth, disregard the validity of rules, rationalize our choices, or follow the wrong crowd?

What if we were to consider Proverbs 14:16 (ESV)?

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

Why would we want to risk everything by behaving foolishly? Isn’t our life, the safety of others, our relationships, our integrity, and most of all, our Christian witness, worth more than that? Wouldn’t it be a better idea to steer our way toward wisdom, instead?

What about you?

You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.

• In what ways does your driving reflect the way you live?
• In what ways do you need to wise up regarding your choices?

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