He and I had a discussion on pride and impatient comments, and I had to agree. I was not showing grace or mercy or love. Though I was the only one in the car, I was still accountable for my words and thoughts.
Would I want them to hear me? No, not really.
Were my comments making the driving experience better? No!
Was my distraction with the driving of others putting me in any jeopardy? Probably, because if I'm not paying attention to my own driving, busy judging others, I could have an accident. And that would most annoy me!
I'm sure we are all guilty here at times, and it is good to face our pride and impatience with a dose of spiritual reality and accountability. But let's leave driving and move on to other areas where our pride and impatience force us to consider our words.
What about at the check-out? Or waiting at a long light? Or even while we are on hold, listening to repetitive, annoying music? Does our mind start spouting complaints? Does it affect our attitude?
You bet it does! Any time we entertain negative, complaining thoughts, we are affected. It might be short-lived, but there is still an effect.
Ask yourself this: "Will my response to an annoying situation make me better or bitter?"
This is a simple way to correct myself. I don't want to be bitter and angry or be known as a complainer or unsympathetic judge of others, do you? So it is for my benefit that I rope in those hateful thoughts and weigh them by grace and mercy.
Do I make mistakes when driving? Of course I do, and so do you.
How would I want others to respond? With road rage or polite forgiveness? And shouldn't others expect the same from me? What response will make me better?
Forgiveness and grace demand I extend a measure of grace to others, even on, and especially on, the road of life.
Bitter or better? Think about that next time you're driving and see what the Holy Spirit tells you.
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