Keep Your Eyes On The Road

When our son turned 16 and started driving, all he talked about was getting a car.

Most of his friends’ parents were buying them nice sports cars, but we, being the mean parents, told him if he wanted a vehicle, he would have to earn it.

We loaned him the money and he bought a bright shiny 8 year old Toyota pickup.  He worked after school to keep gas in it and pay off his loan.  It was a humbling experience for him, but we assured him that without all the attention he would get from driving around in a sports car, it would be easier to keep his eyes on the road.

When he was in college, Ken interviewed our son at a church service one evening. When he recounted that experience and asked Steve what he would do when he had children turning 16, he quickly responded that he would make them purchase an old klunker and work to pay it off!

Pastor Jared said that God is fine saying, “I can but I won’t” and just as Steve learned, sometimes “I won’t” is better for us.

Paul says,

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”

- Romans 8:18-19

In Western culture, we don’t really grasp what it means to suffer. In our travels to the squatter camps of South Africa and Mozambique, we’ve seen the pain of AIDS and TB. The people there are the poorest of the poor. They live in shacks with dirt floors (that they proudly sweep) and flies swarm their food. But they are so rich in relationships and they EXUDE joy!

In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-23), he asks Jesus how he can get into heaven. When Jesus says to keep the commandments, he proudly says he follows the rules. But in verse 21, it all changes:

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

I wonder...how might our lives change if we “keep our eyes on the road” to eternity? If we used our time, talent and treasure to invest in something (or someone) bigger than ourselves?

Let’s live like we are more than conquerors!

Pastor Pam

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