Proverbs 4:26, English Standard Verse

“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”

My husband and I are always thankful for the missions that the Lord has sent us on, which include overseas missions. There were difficulties, challenges, even unpleasant or dangerous situations, yet there was also joy and continuous learning through all circumstances. During our last mission trip, we went to Kenya, and we experienced the same adventure as we did in Uganda and the Philippines… the traffic on the road was often crazy. Several times, we escaped possible harm, which were either caused by a lack of driving rules or reckless drivers. Thank you Lord who keeps us safe!

This is a thought I had and am still having after the last mission trip: How hard is it for a driver to follow the line that is drawn on the ground? I do understand some of the roads, like the back roads in the countryside, may not have been developed like the main streets. But if there is a traffic law, what better way to remain safe than to simply follow the laws? Let’s think about different scenarios:

What would happen if everyone could drive however fast they wanted or slow they wanted on the highway?

What harm could occur if everyone could cross the line or even turn in the opposite direction at any given time?

What could possibly happen if everyone could choose to either follow or ignore the traffic lights and traffic laws, stopping and starting whenever they desired?

How about a driver who is underage, drunk, or even without a driving license driving on the road? Could you think of any possible damage that may take place?

The lines that are drawn on the road, the traffic laws that are established, and the requirement for a licensed driver, are all in place for a good purpose. Why would anyone want to be against them and challenge them? Is there any good reason to disobey rather than follow them?  

Order needs to be set because of the freewill given to each human being, and when there are a rule and order, we can know what is right and wrong. The laws and rules are for the safety of those who drive and ride in cars and not simply ruin the fun of driving. So, if we all can agree that no one should drive recklessly, then why do we take the commands that the Lord gave us lightly? What road could be longer and more serious than the path we are moving forward in our life?

“You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33, ESV)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

For your own good, follow the line!