It’s also interesting that the rules of the road can also have a spiritual application on having a happy and successful journey through life as we travel toward our heavenly home. Let’s consider some spiritual rules of the road.

First – ALWAYS DO A PRE-TRIP “VEHICLE” INSPECTION AND MAKE SURE YOUR “VEHICLE” IS WARMED-UP before beginning your trip. Non-working or broken equipment can be very dangerous. Spiritually get warmed-up by spending time with God in prayer and reading the Word of God. Check your fuel and oil. Are you full of Jesus and the oil of the Holy Spirit? (Psalm 51:10; 139:23)

Early one morning as I was doing a pre-trip inspection of my school bus, the brake line broke. Fortunately I hadn’t left the bus garage. We would save ourselves a lot of harm if we would do a daily spiritual pre-trip inspection before beginning our day. I always try to remember to pray before driving. How much more important is it to begin our day in prayer. God has protected me from numerous calamities because of spiritual pre-trip inspections and “vehicle” warm-ups.

Second – PUT YOUR SEAT BELT ON. “Click it or ticket.” Regardless of what some people say, it is a proven fact that seatbelts save lives. God has given us spiritual seat belts to protect us. God’s commands are for our good. They guard our hearts. (Psalm 119) Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

Third – OBEY THE SPEED LIMITS AND ALL OTHER RULES OF THE ROAD. They are for our protection and to guard the safety of others. Many times the Holy Spirit gives us warning signs. To disobey Him is to your own peril and that of others. (Romans 2:4-10; II Timothy 3:1-5; I Peter 1:2)

Fourth – WATCH YOUR BLIND SPOTS. As a young driver, I had an accident because I forgot that even though I had used my mirrors, there is a blind spot where we may not see a vehicle beside us. Trusted friends and God will show us the blind spots in our lives if we will be open and honest and listen. (James 5:16)

Fifth – USE YOUR MIRRORS. The Word of God is a mirror to us. But we must make adjustments in our life and not ignore what the mirror of the Word of God reveals. (James 1:22-25)

Sixth – BE COURTEOUS AND CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS. Jesus gave us the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31). Be patient. Perhaps that person is having a bad day, having problems with a cranky child, is lost, or is an older driver whose eyesight is not as good as it used to be. We don’t know what problems people are experiencing – be kind. (Ephesians 4:32)

Seventh – ASK FOR DIRECTIONS. Men seem to have a more difficult time asking for directions than women. We would save ourselves a lot of time, expense, and stress if we would simply ask for directions. Even better – have directions before you start out. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Seek God’s will in everything that you do.

Eighth – ARE YOU DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE? Being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol causes many accidents and deaths. Distractions from cell phones or other activities while driving are also dangerous. But we can drive under the influence of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18) We will be alert, self-controlled, and producing the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5) Are you driving under the influence of the Holy Spirit? (Ephesians 5:18) Let God be in control of your life.

If we obey the spiritual “rules of the road”, we will enjoy the journey of life. God wants us to enjoy our journey. (John 10:10) When you begin your trip, you need to know your destination. Is your destination Heaven? You can have an enjoyable trip and arrive safe and secure by following God’s “rules of the road” found in the Holy Bible. You can have the assurance of eternal life at the end of your journey.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).