Holy Spirit Take the Wheel

(ambassadorsforJesus5.com)

     The dilemma of the passenger driver, it's like having your own talking driver's manual with you.  Equipped with an array of features, they also vary in price. 

     To begin, we have your basic model.  Call me simplistic but this one just happens to be my favorite.  What it lacks in features, it makes up in the lower cost to your peace of mind. 

     I do find this model to be quite handy.  May sound like this, "Didn't you see that stop sign?  You didn't come to a complete stop." 

     "Gotcha, I'll try and remember that next time."    

     For an additional wear on your nerves, we have the upgrade.  It features a blaring siren intent on leaving you with a lasting impression, it's attempt at making sure you don't make the same mistake.  A premium insurance policy built on your autonomic nervous system. 

      As if that wasn't enough, how about them flashing lights?  This attention grabber is sure to be seen by all within a half mile radius.  Can be quite embarassing when other passengers are present.  It's like, "Dude, do you really have to announce it so loud?  I mean for real.  Not like I ran over a cat?"    

      We also have the super, duper, memory model.  You don't have to worry about any "Three Strikes Law" with this one.  It's set to ensure you won't get beyond the first strike.  As if your low self-esteem and inner chatter wasn't enough, this model is built with a wonderful memory bank that will continuously remind you of your previous mistakes when "it" determines you may be in danger of a repeat performance.  When activated, try not to let in those unwanted passengers which try and hop along for a free ride.  Free-loaders really set on draining your resources and weighing you down.  You may be familiar with them, their names are Guilt and Condemnation.  

     Without wiping out it's memory it can be a challenging climb uphill to regain its trust.  And if you get that far, do proceed with caution if trying to reprogram on your own.  It can have the opposite effect of downloading added features.   

     Speaking of which...let us not forget the animated one.  For the high price of your peace of mind this one will put its full body in a display of shock and worry over your driving skills.  Yes, it's true, at times body language can speak louder than words.  It is just a shame seatbelts haven't evolved along with it and only lock with a quick and sudden tap of the breaks.  As tempting as it may be, don't get any ideas, that can cause an accident.  In a fast-paced world at your fingertips, the driver behind you may be text messaging the wife his dinner request and not see your brake lights.           

     And just when you thought you had all you could take (don't mind the additional stretch marks), we also have the radar detector.  Yep, have them too.  With laser sharp vision that would even impress Superman, it easily uncovers those clever hiding spots officers seem to favor.  No tree, or donut shop, is beyond its reach.  As favorable as it sounds, there is a downside.  Changing the channel can be challenging when you grow wearisome of hearing the same old tune.  "There's a cop, there's a cop, looky there, a cop."  You would think you were on "America's Most Wanted" list avoiding the law at all cost.  What was suppose to be an enjoyable, scenic ride to the beach, has now become a scene from the movie, "Thelma and Louise".  Just please, don't opt for running off a cliff.  Brighter rides are ahead when we have lost our "law consciousness" in favor of Jesus. 

     As trying as my passenger drivers can be, I have been noticing a shift in my perspective.  After a run in with "the law" that resulted in a costly traffic citation (not to mention a separate "fender" incident with another vehicle), I have a growing understanding and appreciation in the value of an extra pair of eyes.  So sad how at times we acknowledge these things the hard way.

     I also realize that I am not the model of perfection.  My driving skills can be lacking at times, quite lacking when I am fixed on my own destination.  And just like me, my passenger drivers are on a progressive journey in Jesus.  As such, we could all use understanding and patience.  I myself have my challenging "passenger driver" moments, even if just on the road to life.       

     We also tend to view these things as all about manipulation and control.  Although I will not disregard the role of the self-life not rooted in Jesus, at times our past assciations and fears may be the driving force behind such behavior and our autonomic nervous system kicks in. 

     For instance, one time while making a u-turn I made a poor judgement call and was not able to complete the maneuver.  There my passenger and I sat in my car that was now in the middle of the road.  From the oncoming traffic came a sixteen wheeler headed straight for us.  I froze.  The driver of the rig did finally come to a complete stop and thank God he had saved us from such an awful collision.  My passenger and I were clearly impacted by the incident. 

     Since then, when traveling as my passenger, she tends to get jumpy and out of the blue periodically yells out, "Look out!"  Although I may feel the need to express how her reaction plays out on my nerves in my present state, and even her need to heal, how can I condemn her for such behavior?  It doesn't seem fair and can be like a double-blow, especially since I played a significant part.  A better route may be to understand and give her time to heal from such an impressive experience, while helping her see the view from my side by communicating.  I myself did not intentionally look to put us in such a predicament.  I can also work at building her trust in me as I take the responsibility for my part, learn from my mistakes, and look to avoid a repeat performance.

     And with the Lord we can determine if the situation is one we should allow to continue.  Whether on the literal road or in our journeys in life some situations may not be healthy as they currently are and may warrant a parting of ways.  Even so, we can still love each other and share a ride in the future when we have grown in Christ.

     One thing is certain, we can all trust the Holy Spirit to lead us well.  He is our trusted leader who leads us safely and most effectively by way of Jesus. 

     John 16:13-15

     When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.  He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.  All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.