Of all the age-related milestones of life, gaining a driver’s license may be one of the most immediately impactful. Not only does it suddenly open up channels of freedom (you can now get to places without depending on someone else) but it also brings loads of responsibility (you are now in control of an object that weighs one to two tons and is capable of great speed). This might be a good time to take a pause and reflect on this next life stage.
1. Digging In (God, Show Me!)
We’re pretty sure the Bible doesn’t give specific instructions related to driving a car. But it does give guidance on alertness and self-control, issues that directly impact the dynamics of getting a driver’s license and that might provide timely insight in light of your newly realized freedom and responsibility. Plus, a few references to chariots do give us some surprising perspective on driving.
Insight from Chariots
Genesis 46:29 (NIV)
Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel.
Psalm 20:7 (NIV)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Alertness
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Self-Control
Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Proverbs 14:29 (NIV)
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Titus 2:6 (NIV)
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
Titus 2:11 (NIV)
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age …
2. Taking It Inward (God, Teach Me!)
Note: We confess, singling out a very specific application such as getting a driver’s license may seem like a stretch, but these verses do address the bigger context of living life while waiting on Jesus’ return. And, driving is a big part of living life.
Write down a specific point of wisdom you glean from each of these passages with regard to car responsibility.
3. Putting Into Practice (God, Change Me!)
Driving may not rank as an important spiritual discipline, but it is a part of life where we can practice applying traits that God asks us to possess, such as alertness and self-control. You now have a new place in life where you can practice obedience: behind a steering wheel. And when we do, it’s just like any other instruction God gives us: we’re better in the long run when we obey. When we apply readiness, alertness and self-control to our driving, we are much safer, we’re protected, and we spend less money (in gas, insurance premiums, body shop bills, brake repair, tire wear, etc.).
Below are some suggested points of application from these verses. It’s likely you don’t own the car you currently drive, but as a frequent driver you can help with the “ready” points. Read these and then do something with these points to help you integrate them into your driving routine: write up a covenant and sign it; make a sign and tape it to your dashboard; create a “Code to Drive By” and share it with your friends. Then, for the next 21 days (21 is the magic number to form a habit), follow these guidelines obsessively.
Driving Code to Live By
Chariot Ready
- I will buckle up before putting the vehicle in gear.
- I will keep track of tire tread wear (Google “check tread wear”) and mileage between oil changes (check the owner’s manual).
- I will stay aware of gas levels (no lower than ¼ tank is a good rule of thumb).
- Other: _____________________________________________________
Alert
- I will pay attention to things outside, not inside the car.
- I will NOT text and drive.
- I will NOT drive distractedly with cell phone, GPS, or others in the car.
- I will assume other drivers may not be obeying traffic lights or doing what their turn signals say.
- Other: _____________________________________________________
Self-Control
- I will make it a habit (even a personal game) to know the speed zone I’m in and drive appropriately.
- I will not roll through stop signs, but make “driver’s-license-test-quality” stops.
- I will be patient with my fellow drivers, giving them space.
- I will obey the rules laid down by my parents/guardians.
- I will trust in the name of the Lord MORE than my vehicle. A vehicle is not a statement of status (or lack thereof). It is simply a convenient way to get from point A to point B.
- Other: _____________________________________________________