What Kind of Driver are You?

We've all seen them...impatiently riding the bumper of the car in front of them. Zipping dangerously around a dump truck obstructing their view. Honking the horn at an elderly couple because they are going too slow. Crossing three lanes of traffic to exit.

We shake our heads and click our tongues and say, "That is dangerous! Why are they in such a hurry? They are going to get someone killed!"

But sometimes we ARE that person. We are late for an appointment. We justify our action because this is not the way we USUALLY drive--it is necessary because of today's circumstances. Maybe that's what they are thinking.

I have a theory about driving. I maintain that instead of a race, driving is a journey. Instead of "winners" and "losers" distinguished by who arrives at the red light first; we are all fellow travelers and everyone "wins" when we arrive safely together. I'm sure my philosophy has been heavily influenced as the mother of four children who first rode as passengers in my own car and later drove themselves through the maze of traffic each day to school and jobs. I didn't care how soon we got where we were going, only that we got there in one piece.

As Christ followers, how do we frame this road called "Life"? Do we race our fellow travelers, aiming for some mythical finish line and gold medal? Is our goal, "How fast can I get there?" or "How well can I travel?"

I wonder if in my christian walk I am the angry driver, cutting people off, honking my horn, demonstrating my impatience and emphasizing my own importance by weaving in and out of the traffic of the people around me, with no regard to the safety of others, their right to the road.

This is the thing...the reckless driver rarely gets where he's going much faster than the rest of us...just makes everyone nervous on his way. For all his effort, he gains little except anxiety and a short-lived sense of superiority.

The hurried Christ follower is much the same. When I race around without taking time to speak to the people God places in my path because of an inflated sense of self and the importance of my mission I gain nothing. In fact, I may miss the divine appointment the Father has arranged for me.


Jesus demonstrated by His life that the quality of the journey was as important as the destination. He was aimed at fulfilling His Father's purpose for His life, but welcomed those God sent to share His pursuit of that purpose. He was unwilling to dismiss the people traveling with Him.

The Psalmist prayed, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) Part of that heart of wisdom is understanding that God has placed us on this road for a purpose and that He wants us to invite others to journey with us as we make our way in this world.

Do I view this life as a race or a journey?

I have to ask myself, "Do I make others nervous by my recklessness?" or"Does my style of travel welcome people to share the road?"