GROOVE CONTROL

When given the opportunity, it seems to be in our nature to push the limits to the very farthest degree. Perhaps you’ve asked this question before: how far is too far? How much noise can I make until I push my spouse over the edge? How fast over the speed limit can I drive before the police will pull me over? How much can I cheat before getting caught?

We like walking on the edge. The problem is that when you live life near the edge, you can go too far before you realize it. It’s like being on interstate 35. As you near the edge, you’ll hit a series of warning grooves, cut into the edge of the pavement, that cause your tires to emit an awful alarming sound. They are there to remind you to get back on the right track. Driving on the edge of a road is dangerous, because it can be easy to lose control and end up in the ditch.

The Christian life is much the same. You may think some of the rules in the Bible are cumbersome. However, you must come to realize that it is these very guidelines—like warning grooves on a road—that help keep you from flying over the edge and losing control of your life. God’s commandments and principles are there for your protection so you can experience all God wants you to experience. Typically, when you lose control of your life, it hasn’t been just one bad decision that launches you into a moral gully, but a series of bad decisions along the way. The Bible, the Holy Spirit and your brothers and sisters in Christ help provide you with the warning grooves and the guardrails you need to keep you from flying out of control and going over the edge.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things—Philippians 4:8. Thank God for His Word that gives you the help you need to stay on the “narrow road."

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