| We are the salt – Pastor Bill Morris, Shellharbour |
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| Written by Bill Morris |
| Monday, 18 May 2009 16:16 |
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Driving south on the Prince’s Highway just south of Nowra, I had already collected a small convoy of four or five vehicles behind me because I was obeying the speed limit of 100 kph. My fellow road users behind me wanted me to drive faster because they were impatient, willing to break the law and risk an accident in an attempt to get to their destinations sooner. Ahead, I saw the roadwork sign – an 80 zone coming up. I knew my tailgaters were going to be more unhappy with me when I slowed to 80 with no opportunity for them to overtake. The 80 zone seemed to go on forever. I could imagine what they might be saying, perhaps cursing the silly fool ahead of them for slowing down in a work zone at 11.30pm. There were no workers on the road; they had all gone home hours ago. But I was obeying the speed limit for two reasons. First, as a Christian, I believe we are to obey road rules: Romans 13:1-5 KJV Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Road rules are set down by higher powers (government) for safety reasons. So, as a good citizen, I want to drive safely to preserve the life and safety of other road users. This is especially so for workers in construction zones who often risk life and limb on work sites because of inconsiderate and impatient motorists who speed past them, oblivious to the dangers they are creating. Second, I don’t want to be fined and lose points on my licence! Back to my story: as we approached the end of the 80 zone, I had accumulated quite a long convoy of perhaps ten or twelve vehicles behind me. But, out of the darkness, I saw a parked car with a man standing beside it looking my way. He had a uniform on and was looking at me through a piece of equipment held to his eyes – police speed radar! I quickly checked my speed: 80! Whew! Not only had I avoided being booked myself but I had also prevented at least one of my tailgaters from being booked. They should be thanking me for slowing them down! A Scripture comes to mind: Matthew 5:13 KJV Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Salt preserves and enhances flavour. Our health is adversely affected unless we have the right balance of salt in our diet. Salt was a vital part of the covenant that God had with Israel (Numbers 18.19). Now we are the salt of the earth. Our role is to preserve this earth and enhance its “flavour”. Salt is of no use just sitting in the salt shaker. It has to be sprinkled on the food, just as we need to be outside the four walls of our churches, influencing and affecting those around us – including the impatient “tailgaters”. Who knows how many “tailgater’s” lives we will affect – how many will be preserved from judgement - when we obey God on the “King’s High Way”! |
| Last Updated ( Monday, 18 May 2009 16:27 ) |