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By Rev Don Rivers
This week is a reminder that life is precious. As we reflect on the events of 9/11 we struggle with the question why. Why do things happen? The world we live in is full of many agendas. People who have control, power and influence drive those agendas forward. Who have we given the power, control and influence over our lives? Why? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever stopped to think about why we do something? Many of us are influenced to act a certain way by the people we hang around with. Peer pressure can be positive or negative. How are we letting others influence our actions? Why are we following?
I have been to a few racetracks in my day and I am always amazed at how some people can be influenced to do some pretty silly things without too much convincing. There are many things that trigger that type of behavior. Some don’t need too much encouragement while others need a little lubrication. Most take place after the racing in the camping area, but I’ve witnessed some take place during the race.
We’ve seen the type of driver that thinks he knows what happened and retaliates on the track only to find out later that he was wrong; or the driver who makes a derogatory comment about another driver only to be his teammate one day. We had one instance where two drivers had issues and ended up together in a pre-race prayer. You never know what may come your way tomorrow so I would heed the advice, think before you act.
I have seen drivers swinging at other drivers because of an on track incident. I have watched verbal sparring and shouting between teams. I have heard name calling. When you take a step back it all seems kind of childish doesn’t it? If it doesn’t, maybe we need to grow up a little.
Talking is one thing but retaliating with your racecar is another. No matter where we retaliate, doing it with our car endangers not only the recipient but also others. Why is it when we get behind the wheel every other car is the enemy? It isn’t just that way at the track but it is that way on the street also. It is like we drive with this mentality that the world revolves around us. That needs to change.
Retaliation is such an ugly action. It has caused pain and sorrow. It denies the intrinsic value that God bestowed on each human life He created. It is the worst response man can come up with. Why is it that we even consider it our right to judge and punish someone else? Why do we put ourselves in God’s place?
The writer of Roman’s challenges us to behave in a different way;
Romans 12:9-18, Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
The question for us is; who are we living for? We need to ask ourselves that. We should realize there is only one answer. We should be living for God and following his directions. Are we letting others influence our actions? Why? When we look at this passage we see the way to behave and honor God.
Be genuine, don’t pretend. No one likes a fake and most can see through the mask. People can tell when you genuinely care for them. God’s loving care for us is real. Ours should be the same.
Be ready to help, no strings attached. Many times we are motivated to help because of something we may receive. Try being motivated to please God and you will see a difference in your attitude.
Don’t be stuck up and think you are better than everyone else, God would rather you be thought a fool and serve Him than to be well thought of by men and serve yourself. I know it is hard, we all want people to like us, we all want attention, but we first need to honor God. When we honor God then we truly are living the correct way.
Don’t be a know it all. More times than not people just want you to listen to them. They don’t want solutions or to hear what you would do. They want you to listen and really hear what they are saying.
Mark 4:9; NLT; Then (Jesus) said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Even if you have heard it before we need to be patient with each other the way that God is patient with us. We don’t know everything, even when we think we do. God does, but he is patient with us and helps us see what we don’t. He helps us understand what we don’t see.
When we retaliate we forget that those we are warring against are just as valuable to God as you and I. We should value what God values. We should allow God to be the judge and jury, not us. When we feel we need to get even or get back at someone we should read this passage.
We would do good to remember the one who gave his life for us. He was insulted, ridiculed, beaten, spit on, mocked, degraded, and finally nailed to a cross. His response said everything.
Luke 23:34a; NLT; Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
There are many things that we can take from this passage. It is worth spending some time exploring. Take some time each day this week and read it. Ask God to reveal more of it to you each day. Remember to honor God first and everything else will fall into place.
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
