Distracted Driving

Look out! That was a close one! It’s true. I can get distracted while driving, and I’m pretty sure many of you also struggle with the same problem. Every time we get behind the wheel, we are faced with the challenge of keeping our eyes on the road. There are so many things that can pull our focus elsewhere – kids, texts, calls, music, directions or just getting lost in thought.

Somehow, we believe we are such experts that we can put driving on autopilot while we take care of these distractions. These either take our hands off the wheel, our eyes off the road or mental or emotional things can send us into a stupor as if we were intoxicated. Texting does all three and tops the naughty list according to accident statistics. Bad things can happen when we get distracted.

On the spiritual highway, we must also guard against distracted driving.

Every day, we are bombarded with so many things that can move our eyes off the Way. From the normal demands of life to worldly pride and desires, our hearts and minds can be pulled away from following Jesus. We put our calling – our faith – our love for Jesus and His purposes on autopilot while preoccupied by lesser things. The distractions are many, but each with the potential for a crash.

What is taking your eyes off the road spiritually? Earthly pursuits, popularity, pride, laziness, selfishness, disappointment, worry, fear, busyness – it doesn’t really matter what as long as it successfully pulls you and keeps you out of God’s lane.

Yes, we are human, we live in a sinful world and we are prone to swerve. That said, some of us need to wake up, disconnect the autopilot and get back on course. Name your distraction and bring it before God. He’s not some judge in a traffic court, but a merciful Father on a Throne of Grace with a compassionate Savior at His right hand. Remember, He has already made provision for whatever it is with the blood of Jesus. And since there are no expert drivers spiritually, He has given us the best driving instructor ever in the Holy Spirit.

Let’s keep our eyes on the road.

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37