Hmmm, those headlights are closing fast…
A few nights ago, we were enjoying a quiet ride home from a basketball game when I noticed a car coming quickly from behind, but I didn’t give it much thought since we were at the “corner” and about to turn north.
So, in accordance with Kansas law and well in advance of my turn, I flipped on the turn signal. And, instantly the headlights behind were joined by the blue, white and red lights of a Kansas Highway Patrol cruiser.
He was pulling me over!
The officer’s first words were, “I stopped you tonight because your tail-light is broken. Did you know it was out?”
It’s amazing how quickly the mind works, for in the brief moment between question and answer I processed a couple of possible responses. The first was to offer a subtle gasp and then in feigned surprise laced with mock concern say, “What??? You’ve gotta be kidding me!?!?”
The other response that came to mind was to tell the truth - the tail-light had been broken for some time. Red tape covered the hole for awhile, but it fell off months ago.
Which response did I choose? “Officer, I can’t lie to you. I knew it was broken. I just haven’t gotten it fixed yet.” To that admission he said, “Well, I’m only going to write you a warning tonight, but you need to get it fixed.” Whatever you say officer!!!
When all was said and done I felt pretty good – in part because I didn’t get a ticket, but primarily because I didn’t give the first response. Beyond the obvious sin (lie), what message would I have sent to my daughter sitting in the backseat?
Po Bronson, in an article in the New York magazine, said not long ago, “Kids lie early, often, and for all sorts of reasons—to avoid punishment, to bond with friends, to gain a sense of control. But now there’s a singular theory for one way this habit develops: They are just copying their parents.” Do you think?
What can we do about our children’s lying? How about trying not to lie - give them a better example to follow. What can we do about their gossiping? Don’t gossip - give them a better example. What can we do about laziness? Don’t sit around. How can we encourage them into a deeper relationship with Jesus? Don’t coast when it comes to Christ - give them a better example.
Scripture is filled with encouragement for parents regarding their responsibility as teacher to their children. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deut. 6:5-7a (NIV)
What, you have no children or grandchildren to “impress” your faith upon? No worries, we have a world full of people we are responsible to “impress” upon. Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world. 1 Peter 2:12 (NLT)
In ways far more scrutinizing then a trooper’s probing flashlight, people watch and examine our lives. They watch to see how we respond to challenges and temptations. They observe our faith in action and draw conclusions that will guide their own response and relationship with God.
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… Eph. 4:15-16 (NIV)
From the side of the highway,
Ron
Disclaimer: This article was written under the mild protest of my wife. She’s kind of embarrassed about her delinquent husband. ☺
