Fair Warning

There are two places along my daily commute that are more risky than the remainder of my drive,

The first is on my way to work just a few miles from my destination.

At this particular point, the two lane highway on which I travel is built upon an overpass.

At the end of the overpass, a third lane opens up that allows drivers to make a left hand turn.

Problems arise when too many cars wish to make this left hand turn and vehicles are forced to stop on the overpass while the traffic light is still green.

The other major trouble spot I encounter is about a third of my way home in the evening.

The highway on which I travel terminates at the bottom of a very steep hill and both lanes in my direction are forced to turn left and merge onto another highway.

The problem that arises at this juncture results from drivers exceeding the speed limit. They are naturally picking up more speed because they are traveling downhill.

If the traffic light turns red when traffic is heavy, drivers that are gong too fast have to hard brake and this often results in rear end collisions.

Being all too familiar with the risks at these two locations, I do what I can to minimize my risks.

That means making sure I am in the appropriate lane and driving at a slightly reduced speed anticipating the moment that might call for an evasive maneuver.

Often, this means I will be passed by drivers who are not aware of the dangers that lie just ahead.

How I wish there were a way to caution them.

Many times, they learn the lessons I have already learned the hard way.

That is sometimes the way it is in matters of faith.

While I am not able to communicate the lessons I have learned on the road with other drivers in other vehicles, I can share the lessons I have learned by faith with my friends and acquaintances whether face to face or online.

Of course, there are inherent risks that go with sharing my faith openly.

I risk losing friends.

Yet, I must be willing to share with others the consequences that go with rejecting Jesus.

Mark 16:15-16 (NET) - He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned.

If I were willing to let a friend die spiritually, then I would not be much of a friend to begin with.

I must also be very open and honest with them about my faith.

Luke 9:26 (NET) - For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Some will walk away thinking I am deluded.

A few will just walk away.

Still, I must be willing to take that chance.

Matthew 10:38 (NET) - And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

I must remember those that choose to walk away in my prayers and I must be willing to try again.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 10, 2012.
Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!
I’ll be back here on Friday, February 3, 2012.
Schedule subject to change.