Today’s
scripture:
A
man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Proverbs
29:23)
Have
you ever told yourself, “I would never get like that” or “I would never do or
say that”?
Being
a truck driver can be extremely challenging to the values of morality and
damaging to your integrity if you let the negative atmosphere effect you. There
are countless situations that you can encounter while on the road that are influenced
by anger, resentment, lust, envy, strife, backbiting and gossip. Not a day goes
by that the CB radio is free of some driver getting so angry at another driver
that causes a fight and terrible strife. Everyone is out for themselves and
hardly anyone is willing to encourage or lend a hand to someone else. Even as I
sit here in my truck writing this, there is a lot of arguing on the radio.
Just
the other day, I was listening to a driver rip another driver to shreds
(verbally) because he wouldn’t turn off his headlights while backing up into a
parking spot in a truck stop (because headlights shine directly into the truck in
front of you and that person may be trying to sleep, or blinding another as he
is trying to park). He said he would do what they used to do in the old days
which is take a hammer to the headlights which would teach a lesson to the
driver.
Which
leads me back to my first question… Have you
ever told yourself, “I would never get like that” or “I would never do or say
that”? I have to admit, a year ago in the beginning of driving a semi-truck
and interacting with all the other truck drivers, I vowed I would never get
like that. I wouldn’t say that but I believed it in my heart. Can you imagine the arrogance of that
statement? I actually believed I was beyond acting so low. I have a pride that
is so arrogate that I actually believe I am incapable of having a bad attitude towards
another human being. That I have been changed by God so much that my heart, no
matter the situation, would have only meekness to give. That, my friend is one
form of pride!
Today,
I had encounter with another driver that left me very convicted about what and
who I had become. This driver did make a mistake and got mad at me when I wouldn’t
get out of his way while trying to correct his mistake. Instead of showing
meekness, I was stubborn and refused to give him space just because it would
cost me a few minutes of my precious drive time. It’s a dog eat dog world out
here and nobody is looking out for me so I am going to look out for myself.
That had become my attitude.
See,
what I had failed to remember is, as long as I am being humble and kind to
others, God is looking out for me. His heart and passion is about relationships
and helping those who have needs. It may be small to me but it is a huge deal
to God if I were to just quietly wait for this guy to correct his mistake and
maybe even get out of my truck and offer help and then go about my day.
It’s
so easy to get caught up in this busy life and rough world, we can forget what it’s
all about. It’s all about Jesus and loving Him through our love and
relationships with our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-39)
Reflection:
Rather
you are a truck driver, baker, engineer, janitor, physician or whatever your profession,
try not to let the severe negative comments get to you. And if you have given
into strife, gossip, anger or any other sins, simply confess them to God and
return back to His ways of meekness, mercy and forgiveness. You don’t have to
listen to that lie from the devil…”you have already messed up, might as well finish
the day off with it. Besides God isn’t interested in you coming to Him now that
you have messed up” that is a lie from the pit of hell! Don’t stay there!
Challenge:
I’m
sure there will be something said or done today that will cross your will and cause
you to consider lashing out even if it is done in your mind. See this as a
golden opportunity to let mercy and meekness shine bright and be for certain
that will bless that person and according to today’s scripture Proverbs 29:23,
God will honor you!
-Doug McGowan
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