June 1, 2022

There are several places on our local freeways where the onramp for oncoming traffic also doubles as the offramp for the next exit. Vehicles could be coming onto the freeway and merging with traffic, exiting the freeway, or coming on and exiting by never leaving that lane. Who has the right of way? I really don’t know. I would think that if I am on the freeway that any traffic coming on has to merge with me, unless I am getting off. Then, I’m not sure who has the right of way. Do I have to work around those coming on, or do they have to work around me? Then, what about the vehicle that never gets out of that lane and enters and exits from it?

My approach begins with the understanding that we are all trying to get somewhere without running into each other or getting run over. Therefore, while I may believe that I have the right of way, it is simply better to approach these situations looking to work around others so that we can all make it through without incidents and issues.

Look around you. The Lord has placed a lot of people in your life. Look at your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all trying to get somewhere (together). There are so many times when you can demand your rights, your turf, and your lane. And you probably have good reasons for it. But sometimes the road gets pretty congested and demanding your rights may result in running over someone. So, look around. See that person going a little slower? You may have to slow down and make room for them. See that other person going a little faster? You may have to move out of their way if possible. You may think that they are going a little too fast, but then again, there may be things going on that you are not aware of and if you were in their seat, you would be going just as fast or even faster.

In 1 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul lays out a theology for merging in traffic. He is constantly looking out for others and navigates his life lovingly and personally around them. As a result, he helps a lot of people get to where they need to go. After all, that’s what a church is about: getting each other home before dark. There is no place for road rage in the body of Christ.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s text: 1 Samuel 17:41-49