Red Still Means Stop

I have to go home for lunch everyday this week because my family is out of town and our dog, Marley, needs a midday potty break. She is getting old. After a quick bologna sandwich, applesauce, and a little orange sherbet I got in my car and headed back to the office. About halfway back I stopped at a red light. I was the first car in line at the red light and to my left there was another car waiting to go straight. To the left of that car was a turning lane where a line of cars were waiting for their green arrow. Do you need a recap of that scenario? Out of the corner of my eye I saw that the far turning lane got the green arrow to turn but the straight ahead lane still had a red light. Without warning, the car beside me (who had the same red light as I did) started going because she mistook the green arrow for a green light. Most people would realize halfway through the intersection that they were making a mistake. Not this lady. She cruised right through cars at the opposing turn lane without even slowing down. No break lights. No wave of apology for her mistake. No glance in the rearview mirror to see that the rest of us law-abiding citizens were still sitting at the light. Some people are just like that driver when it comes to their life…they are clueless. In case you think I am being mean, please hear me out. Being a driver is a great responsibility and your alertness on the road can affect the well-being of those around you. If you fail to pay attention and follow the traffic laws you risk injury to yourself or someone else. Luckily no one was hurt in this particular incident but the next time things may turn out differently. Much like driving, living life is a huge responsibility and the way you conduct your life can possibly help or hurt others. God has entrusted you with your life and He expects you to use it wisely. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15, “walk circumspectly [with care], not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.” Life is short. Evil is everywhere. Be careful how you live.