Tag Archives: bad drivers

Traces of Decay

As a car ages, there are certain subtle signs which convey a vehicle on its last legs.  Driveways become stained with oil, unusual noises will surface and acceleration pauses just a bit before finally kicking in.  Although modes of transportation can be lemons, there are plenty of what people call “old reliable” which get you where you need to go.  However, traces of decay should serve as a warning that it may be time to move on.

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return, Genesis 3:19.

Meanwhile, human beings possess there own signals that they are about to breakdown.  Frustration, irritations and unhappy faces can be like taking a look under the hood.  While individuals can put on fake smiles, inside bitterness can erupt into a raging inferno.  On the other side of the spectrum, discontentment cause many to lose that loving feeling for life, slipping into periods of depression, despondence or isolation.  As these stages approach, intervention is essential before traces of decay turn into reality.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away, Revelation 21:4.

As for me, I find myself taking on a new persona when I get into my car.  Suddenly, I become perfect and all the drivers around me are idiots.  My commentary is relentless, lasting throughout my travels.  This self seeking nature is fueled by a desire to get home, abandoning the rules of the road like a politician during an election year.  Recently, these traces of decay have come to my attention, one of many stains of sin within my heart.  If you too are feeling like you’re going down the wrong road, may the Holy Spirit serve as a pit crew, cleaning up the messes you have made, one sin at a time.

by Jay Mankus

Rushing Ahead in Life Without God’s Help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tktwH1un0A

Are you in a hurry to get to no where?  Do you comment on drivers who make your daily commute a stressful experience?  If so, perhaps you are trying to rush ahead in life without God’s help.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! – Psalm 46:10

It’s ironic how much difference spending 15 minutes with God can make in a person’s day.  Whether its reading a chapter of the Bible, following a devotional or time spent in prayer, this effort spiritually prepares individuals for their day.  While things may fall apart around you, the Holy Spirit uses the knowledge you gain from a quiet time to develop perseverance.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:6

Unfortunately, this year I’ve been eager to rush ahead in life, often without God’s help and guidance.  Subsequently, 2015 has achieved lackluster results.  If I’ve learned one thing, leaving the house without the Lord has left me more irritable, less productive and not the person I want to do.  Therefore, the next time you feel like rushing out the door, slow down, make time for God and trust in the Lord for the day at hand.

by Jay Mankus

 

Another Hypocrite Behind the Driver’s Seat

When I get behind the wheel of my car, something happens to me.  Like an out of body experience, a spirit of impatience changes my personality inside.  All it takes is a few slow drivers, especially in the left hand lane and I become another hypocrite behind the driver’s seat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNEmJBune3M

Despite my prayers prior to entering my vehicle, the influences of the sinful nature leave my feeling like the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15.  The slightest error made by my fellow drivers erupts into an explosion of complaining, emotional distress and an occasional honk of the horn.  In my quest to fulfill Matthew 5:48, most trips behind the steering wheel often result in conviction, a painful reminder that I have a long way to go, Romans 3:23.

The imagery of 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 illustrates the fact that everyone has room for improvement.  Each soul has major flaws, needing to be transformed from a child into a mature Bible believing adult, Romans 12:1-2.  Unfortunately, there will always be growing pains and along the way, don’t be surprised if you see another hypocrite behind the driver’s seat.

by Jay Mankus