At the moment our eldest son Ben is having driving lessons. One of the main things he is currently discovering is the importance of staying in his own lane and to keep focused on the road ahead.
Yesterday he was driving on one of the busier roads in our neighborhood with his driving instructor when he suddenly had to drive alongside a large truck. Now most people don’t particularly like driving near a truck, but it can be down right intimidating when you are learning to drive and you feel like this large vehicle is going to wipe you off the road. However as Ben learnt the important key to remember is to not focus on what you are trying to stay away from, whether that is another vehicle, a railing or some other obstacle. Because what you focus and look at is what you will end up veering towards.
Ben’s driving lesson reminded me that driving lessons are very similar to the basics principals of doing life well….
1.Don’t compare – We all need to stay in our own lane and to run our own race; it’s not necessarily helpful or safe to compare or try to race against the person next to you.
2. Don’t look at the truck! Stay focused on where you are going and don’t be distracted or tempted to start looking at any obstacles, people or things you don’t want to get caught up in, for where and what we place our attention is what we are going to head and veer towards.
If we focus our thoughts and attention on our mess ups or desires that we know aren’t the best for us, we will automatically be drawn time and time again towards these very pursuits or temptations we are actually trying to avoid. Much like Ben driving alongside a truck – Don’t look at the truck! Just keep your eyes ahead and you’ll be okay and get safely and successfully to where you are going and to the best life God has for you. (John 10:10)
Today I encourage you to train your heart, mind and attention upon those pursuits and relationships which will help you to get to where you are going and to live your best life. God wants to keep you free from accidents, harm or damage and to give you abundant life. Invite him to be your driving instructor, follow his instructions and you’ll win in life and complete your journey with flying colors.
“So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision – you’ll see it yet!
Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal.
There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven!” (Philippians 3:15-20 The Message)
“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. (Prov 16:20
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Prov 1:7) “Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.” (Prov 8:33)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you are my driving instructor in life and always have the best route planned for me. Please help me to keep my eyes focused ahead and to not allow myself to get distracted by focusing on other things which would cause me to veer off course. I trust you today to lead and guide me. In Jesus name Amen
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