Warning of the Danger Ahead

With my previously mentioned extensive experience with traffic cops, one of my favorite services to the community has become the "warning lights." "Warning lights" is that courteous blinking of your car head lights to cars headed in the other direction when there is an accident or more importantly a cop hiding up ahead. Every time I successfully pass a cop, I feel it is my duty to warn passing cars of the danger ahead. Maybe it's revenge, but it gives me such a rush of pride and  that "haha, you won't be giving any speeding tickets as long as I have anything to say about it" feeling.  Don't lie; you know the feeling.

Now don't take this analogy too far. I do know that cops are GENERALLY my friend. I will always be indebted to that cop who came to check out the strange man knocking on doors at my apartment in Statesboro, and the one who picked up the drugged up lady banging on our door last month at 2 am. However, it may take me years of counseling and reconciliation to appreciate the role of traffic cops; just give me time. 

Last Friday I had the opportunity to perform my civic duty with pride. Suddenly it hit me: I was warning them of the danger to come, much like we should warn our friends of the Judgement to come. Yes I know, for all of you perfect drivers out there it is a stretch to compare passing a cop to eternity in hell, but I have faith that there is at least one of you out there who shares my terror of blue lights. Work with me here. 

This thought brought more thinking. Why do I get so much pride and joy from my "warning lights" yet have to work up my energy to even mention church or Bible study to my coworkers, friends, and neighbors? My job is to warn them of the "Danger" ahead; it is part of the Great Commission. Not only am I called to warn them of hell, but I am also supposed to "make disciples." That means warning (and preparing) young believers of the trouble ahead in the Christian life. Why is there so little pride and joy from that??

More thinking brought the following conviction (it was a long drive): my measurement of worth has been off. As an average American girl, I subconsciously expect immediate results. I want a job now or I feel like a failure; I want to shop now or I feel behind in the styles; I want to watch someone drive by the cop safely now or I feel that their evil scheme to provide everyone in the world with a speeding ticket has succeeded....

 

My point: making disciples is not something that produces immediate results. But it is what produces true and lasting results. The generation of immediate results has resulted in churches that base their growth and success on how many people attend church Sunday morning rather than how many are involved in active discipleship.  Numbers is an immediate result, but that should not be what gives us pride and excitement. 

So next time sometime kindly warns you of the "danger" ahead on the roads, take that as a reminder to warn those around you of the dangers in this Christian life.