The State of Florida enacted a new law on July 1, 1986. Not all responses were favorable. Some considered the legislation too confining, too restrictive, an infringement of their rights! Regardless of the feelings the law generated--everyone was obligated to comply. The new rule? Mandatory seat belt use! Despite the badmouthing, studies show seat belts work. The 1999 Florida Crash Report stated that 64% of drivers using safety belts walked away from their collisions unharmed. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration data shows that seat belts save lives. In Florida, lives are being saved because drivers and passengers "buckle up." A little closer to home, a friend and her infant daughter were on their way to our church when their car was broadsided. Fortunately, the mom had followed the rule and strapped her daughter in. Good thing—it saved her life!
Many times God’s rules seem too confining, too restrictive, an infringement on our rights; but like the Florida law, God’s directives are not meant to hinder us, but to set us free to enjoy life at its best. Consider God’s warning against adultery. Studies reveal that one in four men and one in eight women will take that emotional-physical "joy ride." While their thoughts linger on the ecstasy of the moment, God ponders the carnage after the crash.
So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: Run from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honor and hand over to merciless people everything you have achieved in life. Strangers will obtain your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor. Afterward you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body, and you will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not demanded my own way! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to those who gave me instruction? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.” Proverbs 5:7-14 NLT
Jesus tells us that his goal for our lives is joy (John 10:10), a safe and successful journey down the road of life. But to arrive in one piece we must allow our will to be strapped down by the directives of God.
How does the slogan go? “Buckle up for safety!” A great reminder for any follower of Christ who wants to arrive in one piece!
FOCAL POINT: What “law” of God are you having a hard time complying with today? Why not take a few moments right now to surrender your will to God. When you hop in your car and "buckle up," let it serve as your reminder to submit your will to him.