Driving Like a Christian

Richard Hollerman

Many years ago we heard of a sermon that stated, “Christians should drive like Christians.” The thought was that God’s people should be known as careful, law-abiding, and thoughtful drivers of their vehicles. In those days, it was generally a car, but in our day, perhaps it might be a truck, an SUV, or an automobile. Whatever we may be driving, we are to drive the vehicle in a sane, responsible, and conscientious way.

Recently, as I was driving, I was thinking of this and observed how recklessly people drive. Of course, I might say that “men” drive in this way but we suppose that “women” may also drive like this. It is important for us to not look at this situation in a legalistic way but to show that this driving is not only sinful, wrong, dangerous, and unlawful, but that the Christian must keep from it in every respect.

Let’s notice several of the reasons why such driving is wrong. First, and obviously, we know that this is unlawful. The person who drives dangerously violates the law and should be apprehended and fined (and perhaps more). We are referring to going through a red light, going through a “stop” sign, and the like.

We know that Scripture clearly speaks to this: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. . . . Whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves” (Romans 13:1-2). Indeed, we definitely know that not only is the perpetrator violating the legal standards of the state and the civil government but much more.

Secondly, we know that when a person drives recklessly like this he not only breaks the law but he could easily hurt, maim, or injure others. As Scripture says, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10). This is no small matter, as you might suppose. If you hurt someone through your carelessness, what would you think? If you were to wreck your car, it may be that you will also wreck another vehicle—the person you run into at the intersection.

Thirdly, we know that when a person drives wrongly and violates the law, he provides a poor example. Others—even 16-year-olds—may see you drive in this way and emulate your dangerous driving. After all, they want to save time just as you do and they may think it is “smart” to drive through the intersection. They may see you do this and choose to do this too.

Fourthly, obviously, this sort of driving is treacherous in itself. When a person deliberately ignores to stop at the stop sign, he or she may be driving in a way that is dangerous to others. Such a person can’t see or hear the other driver, thus refusing to obey the speed limits could put you in jeopardy and others as well. As God says, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13).

Fifthly, we know that if one chooses to speed (as many do in the various states and other countries), there are many different negatives to this. Not only is he violating the speed limit and possibly injuring others, but he probably won’t be able to keep his vehicle under control as he or she normally would.

Sixthly, just yesterday I noticed how a pickup truck was waving in and out of traffic, speeding, and we know that this is probably dangerous. Although we don’t know whether the person was rushing to the hospital for some reason, yet 99% of the times this is simply a matter of selfishness. It is important to realize that this also is a matter of sin.

These are a few of the reasons that come to mind as we think of how people drive. Do you drive in this way? Do you drive in an irresponsible and sinful way? If you are a Christian (a true one), we encourage you to change and begin to drive as though God is with you—because He is!