Driving in the winter presents a real challenge. It is exhilarating to negotiate ones way around icy corners, slippery hills and sudden patches of "black ice." But dozens of drivers come to an abrupt halt in the ditch on either side of the road. It can happen suddenly and is usually the result of losing control of the car due to some unexpected change of conditions combined with distractions or lack of attention. We are human and if we are active and breathing, we are subject to time and chance (Eccl. 9:11).
I started driving at about age 15 and growing up in the mountains seems to have conditioned me towards being alert to varying road conditions. I know the dangers of in- car distractions, of changing street conditions, and of times of weariness of the mind and body. The most dangerous of these three is the last one. It is the condition of the mind that plays the largest role in filling the ditches. When we are alert, thinking and focused on the road, we will be attentive to road conditions and adjust our driving accordingly. In real life, we slip into bad habits and increase the danger of ending up in a ditch. After more than 50 years of driving, I have managed to stay on the road - there were a few close calls, but time and chance are strongly affected by self-control and attention.
The Bible tells us that when the blind lead the blind - both will fall into the ditch (Matt. 15:14). Our world is entering a time of dangerous driving in almost every facet of life - and the ditches are full of those who have not negotiated well. In some case there are ample obvious reasons for the troubles that we find when leaving the road. Mental illness and childhood experiences can also impair a person from being able to make wise decisions in life. Those who are strong and able have a responsibility to reach out to those who - through no fault of their own - are left to struggle. Globally, almost every nation on earth is reeling under the economic storm that has left the roads slippery and treacherous. The inner force of inattention to the danger of greed and blindness has taken the whole world into the ditch. One nation seems to be following the other. The mindless driving on the wild side has led our nations to the greatest degree of immorality we have known. Drug use is rampant and the needed character traits for success are lacking. Standards are cast aside and we put the pedal to the metal - and hurtle through life - until time and chance catches up with us - and it always does. In the mad pursuit of the nebulous concept of happiness, the world casts aside the common sense that learning to drive in the mountains teaches us. We tend to drive ever faster, convinced that we are more capable and in control than generations before us - all the while not realizing that our eyesight has become blurred, darkness has descended and we are becoming weary and are losing control. The road was designed for safe travel and staying on the road is the key to success for any trip.
When control has been lost or partially lost, the drivers try to regain that control - but awaking from a stupor is not easy. We tend to over-react by jamming on the brakes, over- steering the vehicle or entering a state of shock that causes the driver to freeze - not knowing what to do. Often we are not able to regain control of the car. The ditches are full because once out of control, recovery is very difficult to effect. It is true that there are times when we are driving very well - but there are also others on the road who are careless. We may suffer from their foolishness, but we can cut down the chances of that through greater care in that area where we have responsibilities.
It seems strange to realize that a person can stay on the road for a lifetime of driving - with the mind in control. Some experienced truck drivers have driven for millions of miles with no accident. Accidents do happen and time and chance is part of life - but we can control some areas of time and chance. For example, God's instructions for fidelity in marriage (one mate only) eliminates the chance of venereal disease. Learning to care about the welfare of your neighbor is an antidote to greed and self. Practicing to be alert when driving and reviewing one's habits from time to time is the key to recognizing and identifying danger in advance, so we can react to prevent a serious situation.
Jesus Christ is the light to the world. His followers reflect that light. Careless and uncontrolled habits are to be overcome (Rev. 21:7). Appreciating wisdom and searching for it will make us "thinkers" in the journey of life. The ditches will always be there - they have a purpose and are necessary for a good road surface. Even our most highly educated and learned leaders have allowed greed and avarice to lull them to sleep at the wheel. Storms can cause sudden complete washouts on the road. That may be the time to stay home and wait until the storm is over, or at least to drastically adjust to conditions.
Many great lessons of life are written in proverbs or wise sayings. The Bible contains a large number of these. Wisdom is available - it lies around us in the experiences of others and in the teaching of the mature. Taking it up and using it requires character. Those who succeed in studying and learning the laws of success can plan to have a long, peaceful and productive life (Prov. 3:1,2). Wisdom is like a tree of life yielding honor, happiness and is very precious (Prov. 3:15-18). It is clear that God is the fullness of all wisdom and understanding - He founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding (Prov. 3:19,20). We humans are a long way from His level of wisdom, but that which we may know and apply is abundant.
God's people are warned about slippery conditions on the road we travel. The ditches are clearly seen - but the driving is up to us. We are to learn to negotiate in traffic or difficult road conditions and to focus on what we are doing. Paul tells us to run the race with endurance. We are to be on guard lest we become weary and discouraged in our souls. We are not to forget the exhortation to appreciate the corrections God gives to His sons. We are to be sure the path we walk on is the straight and true path and we are to look carefully lest we fall short of the grace of God and a root of bitterness is allowed to spring up (Heb. 12:1-15).
I do not find it difficult to drive in the most treacherous and difficult road conditions. I know I will never fall asleep at the wheel or allow distractions to mar my driving. I find it easy to be a good driver. I also understand there are things I cannot control. Jesus also said driving spiritually is not difficult (Matt. 11:29,30). That load is light and easy to carry. God did not develop mankind and His laws with the intention that we should fail. He works to teach us to drive accident free - to stay on the road. Paul accepted the responsibility that God gives us all. We are to learn to stay on the road, and with His help, we can avoid failure. Work out your own salvation while God works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:12,13). God seeks mature, expert travelers in the spiritual journey that leads to eternal life. He has not made the path impossible, but He has made it difficult enough that we will develop the character He insists should be in His children. I have taught all of my children to drive. They are careful and successful drivers. I rejoice in that. God too rejoices when His children become responsible and trustworthy followers of His Son Jesus Christ. Staying on the road is the only way!