A two-ton vehicle spinning out of control

 

If you don't have to get out in it, it's absolutely beautiful.  The
weather service had issued a winter storm warning, and this time they
were right on target.  Early this morning rain began falling, though
the surface temperatures were subfreezing.  As a result a layer of
ice, perhaps a quarter of an inch thick, has coated everything -
trees, shrubs, blades of grass and driveways.

That last item in the list is where things can get tricky.  My driving
today has been seriously curtailed, but I had to get out and take a
few photos of the winter wonderland.  Just a step or two on the
asphalt told me to use extreme caution.  Even if I'm standing still,
I'll start sliding if there's any slope at all.  A person has no
control under such circumstances.

Driving is where danger can really occur.  A two-ton vehicle spinning
out of control on an icy road is a completely unsettling experience.
Even if you're driving carefully, there's always the other fellow who
doesn't adjust for the slick conditions.  Each of us probably has a
story or two on this subject.

Ice is not the only slippery thing to be found.  Walking through a
creek presents hazardous circumstances, as moss-covered rocks hide
underneath the water.  In the woods one has to beware of muddy slopes
or wet leaves.  In the mountains keeping one's footing is vital.  A
mere slip of the foot can be disastrous.

The Bible speaks of slippery places.  These are not places a good
person wants to be.

Asaph, the author of Psalm 73, wrote about his frustration while
observing the prosperity of wicked people.  Did it do no good to serve
the Lord? he wondered.  "Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain," he
wrote in Psalm 73:13.  He had stated at the beginning of the psalm,
"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly
slipped" (Psalm 73:2).

Then something happened to change his outlook: "... I went into the
sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.  Surely You set them in
slippery places; you cast them down to destruction" (Psalm 73:17,18).
Those who thought they were well established would find it impossible
to keep their footing, Asaph learned.  Though the path of sin may seem
easy now, up ahead will be a slick spot that will take the sinner
down.

David also used this image of slipping.  "The mouth of the righteous
speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.  The law of his God is
in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Psalm 37:30,31).  To
maintain traction and control of one's steps, it's always wise to walk
in God's paths.

Human nature, however, has not changed very much.  There are those who
will object, "I know how to drive in wintry conditions.  Don't be
lecturing me about safety on icy roads!"  Others will affirm their
ability to direct their own life; they don't need (they think) God's
help in navigation.

Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12 is timeless: "Therefore let him
who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."  A car spinning out of
control is terrifying.  How do you think a life spinning out of
control will feel?  Walk in the sure paths of God and you'll never
have to worry about such a scenario.

Timothy D. Hall