I was driving back from St Catharines doing the speed limit when this red sportscar turned into my lane from the passing lane attempting to pass a car in the passing lane that was apparently going to slow for him. I then noticed that most of the cars were passing me in their desire to reach their destination as quickly as possible. The thought came to me that the Christian life is like my highway experience.
Here I am keeping the speed limit (not something I always do) and all these other drivers are rushing past me to get to their destinations. I was more of an obstacle to them than a help. Herein lies my metaphor. As Christians we hold certain beliefs and ethical positions that are not popular and are seen as impeding the fun and love and human development of those who do not hold the same beliefs as we do. We are impeding access to their desires and goals which they pursue in spite of us, but we are still there to remind them about these old fashion beliefs and virtues. They view us as not keeping up with the culture while reminding them of a culture that has been left behind.
And so we steadily persevere down the highway of life to our sure heavenly destination while the world around us rushes to a destination that will not be what they expected. They will find out that what they rejected as naive and old fashioned and outdated is truth and reality.
So Christian, keep plodding along the highway of life while those around you blindly rush into eternity. Do not be too concerned that everyone seems to be passing you by, embracing the present godless culture, waving, shouting, mocking and laughing. One day you will reach your final eternal destination in joy and peace. And on the way, at the rest stops, make sure you speak to those rushing motorist about the destination they are expecting but will find to be empty and tragic. Some may change speeds and decide to join you in your plodding path to eternity on the highway of life.
Thanks for the encouraging reminder. We are definitely losing our place of privilege in the culture, probably for the best. I listened to John Piper recently explain some statistics about how the church is losing 'nominal' Christians by the droves, but the number of 'convicted' Christians is holding steady. He said he likes the core of today's church better than at any point in his life up until now. He thinks God is refining it, and will continue to do so.
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