During a short break in Cheshire, my wife and I decided to visit the North Wales coastline and encountered the notorious 20 mph speed limit. For the tourists, there were many opportunities to look closely at the surroundings but after a while, even that became a challenge. I thought there were two types of drivers: the locals who knew where the speed cameras were, and the tourists who didn’t!
This experience reminded me of the challenges facing a Christian. Several years ago, the preacher at our church asked if there was anyone who had never broken the speed limit to put their hand up. Only two responded, and many were sceptical that neither had even accidentally exceeded any speed limit by 1 mph. Of course, some might question if disobeying a country’s laws is sinful! I know how easy it is to be critical of drivers who exceed the speed limit, yet justify, to myself, why it was necessary to park for a few minutes on double-yellow lines.
Today’s heading is a small part of a quote from Matthew 22, and I am aware of Christians who have broken the law because they felt it was necessary. But our experience in North Wales, obeying the speed limit while others were overtaking, is a reminder that if, as a Christian, we “render to Caesar,” it will incur the displeasure of others.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we pray that you will help us to know your will for how we live, enabling us to remain faithful to you, even if it means being contrary to the opinions and practices of others. AMEN