Have you seen the bumper sticker “How’s My Driving?”

Commercial vehicles often have it on their back bumper, along with a phone number to report bad driving on the part of the company’s employees.

Many companies feel that the way their drivers behave on the road reflects their firm’s values.

They don’t want wild, inconsiderate, or negligent drivers operating a vehicle with the company’s logo splashed on the sides. It would send a negative message about how the company trains them.

Similarly, when we believers go about our daily lives, our behaviour reflects the One we belong to.

For better or worse, we reflect Christ.

Oftentimes, we don’t do a great job of this…

We commit numerous “moving violations” as we go through our lives. We fudge on the rules of the road without considering the example we’re setting for onlookers.

We’re ensconced in our self-absorbed little bubbles, oblivious of the fact that our selfish actions send a negative message to others about how Christians “drive.”

But Scripture tells us that we should strive to emulate Jesus in our daily walk.

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

A hallmark of Jesus’ attitude toward others was that of service. When he was washing the feet of His disciples, He said:

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)

The Apostle Paul echoed this instruction:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2: 3-5)

Perhaps the best “rule of the road” when believers are journeying through life is the Golden Rule:

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matt. 7:12)

We won’t always get it right: we’ll inevitably stumble and mess up at times. But if we have the humility to admit our mistakes and sins and ask for God’s forgiveness, He can help us pick up from where we left off. Even this is a good example to others.

So let’s make a habit of asking ourselves:

“How was my driving today?”

If we keep in mind that our behaviour should be a reflection of Christ’s teachings, our “driving” is bound to get better!

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

proverbs 27:19

© 2024 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.