I was once told by a car salesman that I was a spirited driver. He was endorsing the car’s pick-up during a test drive, but I have internalized it as a commentary on my nature. Driving on the open road, I think, “How fast can I go and not get a ticket?” If the speed limit is 65, I convince myself that no police officer would stop me for driving 69. Other times, I set cruise control on 72, confident that I am within an acceptable cushion. Still other times, with drivers whizzing past me at 80 or more, I think, “If they can drive that fast, I should be able to go 75!”

I think we all push the laws of the road at times and I bet we all push God’s laws too. We know the rules; they have been clearly explained and are commonly posted with bold signage, yet we still think we should be able to get away with breaking them. We talk ourselves into our own explanations on why my infraction is minimal or meaningless.

Is that God’s perspective? I don’t think so. I think God gave us laws, gave us prophets and teachers to explain them, and then expects us to embrace and obey them out of love and respect for Him.

The rules of the road are essential for keeping us safe, but those were determined by lawmakers whom we have no personal relationship with. Following God’s laws are different. They have been imparted to us out of love and when we follow Jesus as a disciple, we want to please Him, to follow his laws for both our own good and out of respect for our God, our creator and redeemer.

Honestly, I have to admit that I deserve a speeding ticket when I drive 69 and I deserve God’s punishment for minimal infractions too. What do those punishments look like? I don’t know, but is it worth the risk?

Scripture: Read Joshua 1:8-9. What is it saying to you?

Call to Action: Read and meditate on a chapter of Scripture every day to better understand God’s instructions.