I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. – Psalm 119:32
Why is it that I look at the commands of Jesus as being restrictive? As if they force me to do things that are undesirable, unattractive, and hard? Is following Jesus really a burden, or is it freedom. and, what is freedom? Is it running around anywhere I want, or is it running hard on the path before my eyes?
NASCAR drivers are free to drive fast. As fast as they can. Hopefully faster than any other driver. Yet, NASCAR has commands. Restrictor plates and pit stop rules. A little rule about driving one direction only. They have to submit to technical inspections and be authorized to run a race. They have commands. If they are not met, they are either penalized or disqualified. They cannot run.
If, however, the teams, driver, and cars meet the commands of NASCAR, it’s go time. They push the car to the limits and have the freedom to run as fast as they can on that day. Freedom.
That is the life I want to live. I want to live in the commands of God. I want to gladly do what he asks. I don’t want to be like a bunch of uptight people that I see who are all up on this God thing but look like they hate life. What kind of freedom is that?
I want to drive fast, laugh loud, run well. I want to be free. To that end, I will follow your commands. I will learn them and run in them. True freedom is closer than I think. It is easier than I dreamed. I think I hear the sound of the crowd and a million cars firing their engines. Beautiful.
[tags]NASCAR, Restrictor plates, NASCAR rules, freedom, Church, God, Bible, devotions, Psalm 119[/tags]
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cycleguy (Bill)
5 Dec 2006Scot,
This whole idea of living life \”in the fast lane\” has intrigued me ever since I read Wild at Heart over 5 years ago. Say what they will about WAH, one cannot take away that John\’s basic premise is that God intended us to live life to the max. David Jeremiah in his book \”Life Wide Open\” calls it pedal-to-the-metal living. It is about living life with passion. To me that means embracing life positively, energetically, and full bore. There are times we just have to lay aside our complacency and take risks. There are a number of things I would like on my tombstone (man it would have to be a gigantic one) but one I would like is \”he didn\’t just lay down.\”
Jack London, not known for his Christian worldview once said, \”I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.\” I say a hearty amen to that! And I can picture Jesus saying the same. After all, He said that \”He came to give life and give it to the full.\”
Live life wide open. Live it with passion!