Have you ever been driving behind someone who clearly had no idea where they were going? The car’s blinker stays on, but the vehicle never turns. The driver’s eyes are looking in every direction except on the road ahead. The speed limit is 45, but because of the clueless wanderer in front you, you’re doing 25. And you’re thinking, “Just turn already and get out of everybody’s way!” After all, shouldn’t everyone have a GPS in 2016?
In case you were wondering, I found myself in this very situation last week. As my frustration grew with an absolute stranger, I noticed his license plate was out-of-state. That got me to thinking about times when I have driven in unfamiliar places. And how do I drive in those circumstances? Being unsure of where I’m supposed to turn, I prematurely turn on my blinker and leave it on too long. My attention on the road ahead gets distracted by possible turnoffs. And I drive slower than usual, sometimes WAY TOO SLOW.
You see, sometimes the wayfaring stranger is someone I don’t know. And sometimes the wayfaring stranger is me. The only difference between him and me is time and place.
In Titus 3:2, the Apostle Paul advises us “to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” All people doesn’t exclude too many, does it? And why should I show such courtesy towards all? Paul answers, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray . . .” At one time or another, we all have been lost.
Your path this week might very well cross the path of someone who is lost. They might not be driving down the road, but they may be wandering through life, being led astray, and looking for direction. Instead of impatience, what they need is empathy and someone to get them on the right track. They need you and me. May God bless you and use you to be a blessing.
In case you were wondering, I found myself in this very situation last week. As my frustration grew with an absolute stranger, I noticed his license plate was out-of-state. That got me to thinking about times when I have driven in unfamiliar places. And how do I drive in those circumstances? Being unsure of where I’m supposed to turn, I prematurely turn on my blinker and leave it on too long. My attention on the road ahead gets distracted by possible turnoffs. And I drive slower than usual, sometimes WAY TOO SLOW.
You see, sometimes the wayfaring stranger is someone I don’t know. And sometimes the wayfaring stranger is me. The only difference between him and me is time and place.
In Titus 3:2, the Apostle Paul advises us “to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” All people doesn’t exclude too many, does it? And why should I show such courtesy towards all? Paul answers, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray . . .” At one time or another, we all have been lost.
Your path this week might very well cross the path of someone who is lost. They might not be driving down the road, but they may be wandering through life, being led astray, and looking for direction. Instead of impatience, what they need is empathy and someone to get them on the right track. They need you and me. May God bless you and use you to be a blessing.
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