Asleep At The Wheel
Throughout college and seminary, I didn’t get a lot of sleep. I worked a lot, went to school, and served as a youth pastor on the weekends. In addition to some embarrassing episodes falling asleep in class, I had some precarious incidents while driving.
One Saturday morning, I fell asleep on a country road. My Volkswagen Beetle flipped over and rolled when it hit the soft ground on the side of the road. I ended up on my side in a newly plowed field. The farmer and his son came running out of the barn. They rolled the car back onto its wheels, and I started it up, drove back to the road and headed on my way.
Another time I woke up when my car hit the gravel beside the road and a semi-truck was bearing down on me. I stayed on the gravel shoulder as the semi passed right next to me. And then there was the time I totaled my ‘69 Dodge Dart when I fell asleep and hit a power line pole. The pole broke over my car and there were sparks from hot wires everywhere.
I know. Stupid. Fortunately, I grew up and realized I was endangering everyone else on the road by driving when sleepy. Now, if I’m even the least bit tired, I pull over.
I fear, though, that some of you might be sleeping at the wheel. You are supposed to be driving your family in life towards the things that matter most. But you are barely paying attention, asleep at the wheel. Your kids need to hear from you why living for Jesus matters more than friends, sports, school, work, or hobbies. You are their number one influence. You’re the driver. Are you sleeping at the wheel?
For some of your coworkers, you are the only Christian they know. You are the best Christian some of your family members and neighbors know. When it comes to their eternal future, you are in the driver’s seat. Are you sleeping at the wheel?
God has you right where He wants you in life. And He has you there for a reason…with the friends you have, your extended family, your nuclear family, your workplace. God has you in those relationships to make a difference. But we are often too oblivious to the opportunities we have to represent Him.
Jesus said, “Wake up and look around! The fields are already ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NLT).
Let’s pay close attention to what we are doing and make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5). You’re in the driver’s seat. Stay alert. Pay attention. There’s too much at stake!