The Police Car Ahead

THE REVERENCE and fear of God is the starting place for wisdom. If a driver is going 80 mph and notices a police car parked up ahead on the side of the road, they will slow down. In fact, a whole series of things goes into motion. First the driver’s heart starts beating a little more heavily.

His brain tells his leg to get off of the accelerator and ease down on the brake, being careful not to slam on it. His eyes look down at the speedometer to ensure the speed is shifting to lower and then they move to the rearview mirror to see if he has been caught or not.

The policeman’s presence has produced a healthy respect for the law. When an officer is present, drivers adjust to the law because of respect for the officer’s authority.

A driver may not like his authority, may not want his authority, or might even be rebellious against his authority—but he still respects it. What would most people think about a person who speeds up to 90 mph when they see a policeman?

They would call him a fool. Why? Because that driver is showing no reverence for the law. Many Christians live their lives according to their own set of laws because they do not respect God or acknowledge His rule over every area of their lives.

Just as a driver should fear the authority of a police officer whether they see him or not, a Christian shows true fear of God by how they acknowledge His authority. Truly fearing God means that God is the reference point wherever the Christian goes or whatever they are involved in.