“Those Pesky Stop Signs”

“Those Pesky Stop Signs”

 

One of the great annoyances of driving in populated areas is the presence of stop signs at virtually every intersection that doesn’t have a traffic light. In my impatience I see them as slowing my progress, adding to travel time, and hindering fuel economy. Over the years I’ve sometimes played fast and loose with these red, octagonal-shaped impediments—maybe you have too.

As teenagers we took “stop” as an acronym for Squeal Tires On Pavement so we could make up for the time lost by having been inconvenienced on out trip to who knows where. We might also look at it as Suggest Tapering Off Pedal which we can choose to observe or not according to how we happen to be feeling at the moment. Then there are the rolling stops in which we slow down but fail to stop completely (translation: How much can I get away with without paying consequences?—I once failed a college driving test for this reason).

How we view stop signs often pictures our attitude towards God’s Word. Do we see it as getting in the way of what we want to do? As a summary of suggestions which we can take or leave? As a changeable Book which we can adapt as we see fit so we can live on the edge?

As with stop signs, the Scriptures aren’t given to curtail our freedom but to protect us, often from ourselves. Solomon put it this way: “Wherever you walk, (its) counsel can lead you. When you sleep, (it) will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, (it) will advise you. For these commands (not suggestions) and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you.” (Proverbs 6:22-23, NLT). And lest we think God will change His mind to accommodate us He says through the psalmist, “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89).

So the next time I come upon a not-so-friendly eight-sided obstruction I’ll try to remember Psalm 37:23 (with some liberties taken): “The stops of the godly are directed by the Lord.” (NLT). Will you join me?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan