Road rage. Who among us has
not engaged in it, either as the perpetrator or the victim, likely both.
Lately, people with guns have taken to settling their rage with shots. What’s up with drivers?
I read an article on the
psychology of road rage (credit: ‘Why do some drivers allow road rage
to take over behind the wheel?’ Stephanie Blaszczyk, Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel Published Aug. 16, 2019). Studies show
the reason otherwise ‘normal’ people act like lunatics behind the wheel is that
we are ‘anonymous’ and ‘social conventions’ don’t apply. You know, like, don’t
throw toys, share the sandbox, etc. When we are in a vehicle we believe we can
act as if (a) we own the road; and (b) everyone else had better respect my
right to drive like the freeway is the Indy 500 track.
But, for people of faith,
most of us are taught that God is always with us. ALWAYS. (See Psalm 139) There
are plenty of circumstances in which we would prefer to not think about that.
One time we really don’t believe it is true is when we have just been cut off
on the highway. Fingers are raised.
Language is spoken which we would never say in church (or even the grocery
store.) What if we really believed that Jesus is riding in the passenger seat
as we get stuck in the fast lane behind someone going the speed limit? Would we then race around and cut in front of
the car thinking, ‘that’ll teach them to take my lane!’ Or would we look over at Jesus, smile and
say, ‘Boy, that person really obeys the law, what a good model for society,
right Jesus?’
I know, I know. Some people
are really lousy drivers and they don’t get that the law says slower vehicles
should travel in the ‘slow lane’. But,
really, when someone gets you hopping mad would you drive like ‘that’ if you
were driving Jesus?
Because, of course, you
are. You are not anonymous. And while
social conventions may seem to not apply on the road, God’s commands to love
your neighbor, even your enemy, do. Drive like you love that other vehicle’s
operator. Drive like you love God.
Don’t drive Jesus mad!
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