The Word

Thursday, December 08, 2005

How would Jesus drive?

This might not be a very intellectual posting, but over the last few months the Holy Spirit taught me a few things about my driving, especially on the high way during peak traffic. I also observed the way people drive in places like the Middle East (Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Islamabad), West Africa (Lagos, Ouagadougou), elsewhere in Africa (Nairobi, Lusaka, Harare, Gaborone), Mauritius and in Europe (Manchester and Paris).

The differences are immense. I don't want to offend any religions, but I can see quite a bit of consideration lacking in some countries. Why is this?

If you're South African, you might be surprised, but I have found that apart from Europe, our drivers are quite considerate, even the mini-bus-taxi's! Is this perhaps because we're rooted in Jesus? Even though many of us are so traditional that we lost our relationship with God and even more of the middle class South African and the Europeans are not Christian any more, not active anyhow.

That just made me wonder how Jesus would do it? I can almost picture a mini-bus (kombi) of some sorts with Jesus and His disciples in it. I don't think Jesus would waste His time driving, unless He wanted to show the others how to do it. I think Peter would probably have been the one that would be irritated with the people driving too slow or the ones abusing the middle lane. Jesus would probably have to calm him down quite a few times. John on the other hand would probably irritate the heck out of Peter if he drives. He'll be so patient and calm. He'll probably show more of Jesus' love to the fellow drivers on the road.

Jesus would of course not hesitate to give someone else a change to go first at a 4 way stop, or any other place where it is needed. He'll forgive and bless anyone that does Him wrong or takes chances. All this without being a worm / low life servant. He'll be like we know Him, a King and Lord that is not afraid of sacrificing Himself where it will be for the benefit of the Kingdom. Without a doubt He'll obey each and every traffic law and sign.

What do you think? How should we handle day to day stuff on the road? How do you think Jesus would like us to drive?

Just imagine a congested highway with at least 25% of people driving like Jesus would! Just imagine, I think it will be like heaven on earth. I guess the trick is to be led by the Holy Spirit. And don't ever underestimate your impact on fellow road users. I have seen what an impact I can have on others by doing the right thing sometimes, even though it is usually not the easiest and most convenient thing to do. And believe me, the Holy Spirit had to prune (John 15) me quite a bit on the roads and He still has to.

T: