"Sign Language"

 

“Sign Language”

 

As automobiles became more commonplace in the early 20^th century signs were developed for traffic safety and control and could be identified by their shape: rectangular for regulatory purposes (e.g. speed limits); octagonal for stopping, especially at crossroads; diamond for warning (e.g. curves) and round for railroad crossings. But a familiar one didn’t make its debut unto 1950: an upside down triangular one saying “Yield”. It was invented by Clinton Riggs, a Tulsa, OK police officer, to be used where two roads or lanes blended into one, perhaps most noticeable on today’s entrance ramps to interstate and other major highways. Even though at times these signs may seem unnecessary and even annoying think of where we’d be without their bringing some semblance of order to our roadways. This might be called “Sign language for drivers”

Yield and its synonym, submit, mean to defer to another in some way.  In the New Testament, the word translated “submit” and its variations appears 27 times and literally means place under. We’re told to do this in several ways (emphasis added throughout):

*”Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) as we recall Paul’s words to “…in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3).

*”…Submit to (those who have been faithful in God’s work….)” (1 Corinthians 16:16), reminding us of Paul’s previous admonition to “…appreciate those who diligently labor among you….” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, NASB).

*”Wives, submit to your husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18), but the Apostle goes on to say, “Husbands, love your wives….” (Verse 19), using the word for selfless, giving love (we husbands need to take note).

*”Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect….” (1 Peter 2:18) and “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord….” (Ephesians 6:7).

*”Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution….” (1 Peter 2:13, NASB), in light of Jesus words, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17).

*”Submit yourselves…to God.” (James 4:7) by “…(offering our) bodies as living sacrifices….” (Romans 12:1).

So the next time you see that upside down triangle as you maneuver into interstate traffic think of yielding to God and His ways. And don’t ignore the rest of those irritating reminders placed there for our benefit. Hopefully this will lead to Esso’s slogan, “Happy Motoring!”

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan