Driving the speed limit

[pescador]

There have been quite a few threads about the law and the Spirit. Unfortunately some put forth the idea that when you're a Christian you still struggle with sin. Here is a real world example about why this doctrine is false.

The Lord showed me about obeying the Spirit one day while I was driving. Let's say there is a 55 mph speed limit posted. What is your reaction? Do you say to yourself, "I can go 65 and probably won't get caught. There usually aren't any police around here and I'm not breaking the law by that much. Besides, everybody else is going about that speed."

Or do you say to yourself, "55 is the speed that the highway department has determined is the safe limit for this road. I believe that it's there for a reason and I have no desire to break the law. I'll just set cruise control to that speed and relax. I won't have to keep looking around to see if there are any police because I'm not doing anything illegal."

The first case is an example of struggling with sin. It is rebelling against authority, makes the driver tense, and is an example of rebellion: nobody is going to tell me what to do. Everybody else is violating the law so why shouldn't I?

The second is an example of resting in God's grace. It is accepting the speed that is best for everyone; there is no rebellion against the authorities. It brings inner peace and a greater enjoyment of God's creation.

Unfortunately there are too many Christians that are still struggling with sin, not realizing that they have died to its power and that by entering God's rest they have ceased from their own works. God's grace is intended to bring peace, not a struggle.

I'm urging everyone not to listen to those people who look at living in Christ as continuing to struggle with sin and the law. The truth is about having peace with God through Jesus Christ. He has given us everything we need to live a joyful, peaceful life, without struggling against the law that not longer applies to us.

 

[HolyGround]

What a great post. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[bigo1984]

The funny thing is that I got pulled over for doing 67 and in a 55 a couple weeks ago. I learned my lesson no more speeding.

 

[bloodygrace]

There have been quite a few threads about the law and the Spirit. Unfortunately some put forth the idea that when you're a Christian you still struggle with sin. Here is a real world example about why this doctrine is false.

The Lord showed me about obeying the Spirit one day while I was driving. Let's say there is a 55 mph speed limit posted. What is your reaction? Do you say to yourself, "I can go 65 and probably won't get caught. There usually aren't any police around here and I'm not breaking the law by that much. Besides, everybody else is going about that speed."

Or do you say to yourself, "55 is the speed that the highway department has determined is the safe limit for this road. I believe that it's there for a reason and I have no desire to break the law. I'll just set cruise control to that speed and relax. I won't have to keep looking around to see if there are any police because I'm not doing anything illegal."

The first case is an example of struggling with sin. It is rebelling against authority, makes the driver tense, and is an example of rebellion: nobody is going to tell me what to do. Everybody else is violating the law so why shouldn't I?

The second is an example of resting in God's grace. It is accepting the speed that is best for everyone; there is no rebellion against the authorities. It brings inner peace and a greater enjoyment of God's creation.

Unfortunately there are too many Christians that are still struggling with sin, not realizing that they have died to its power and that by entering God's rest they have ceased from their own works. God's grace is intended to bring peace, not a struggle.

I'm urging everyone not to listen to those people who look at living in Christ as continuing to struggle with sin and the law. The truth is about having peace with God through Jesus Christ. He has given us everything we need to live a joyful, peaceful life, without struggling against the law that not longer applies to us.

I drive 75 and trust in Jesus.

 

[Sketcher]

I drive to conditions. I'm not going to create unsafe driving conditions for those around me for the sake of staying under the posted limit. People who drive slower than that limit and/or ride the brake do that sometimes.

 

[The Hammer of Witches]

There have been quite a few threads about the law and the Spirit. Unfortunately some put forth the idea that when you're a Christian you still struggle with sin. Here is a real world example about why this doctrine is false.

The Lord showed me about obeying the Spirit one day while I was driving. Let's say there is a 55 mph speed limit posted. What is your reaction? Do you say to yourself, "I can go 65 and probably won't get caught. There usually aren't any police around here and I'm not breaking the law by that much. Besides, everybody else is going about that speed."

Or do you say to yourself, "55 is the speed that the highway department has determined is the safe limit for this road. I believe that it's there for a reason and I have no desire to break the law. I'll just set cruise control to that speed and relax. I won't have to keep looking around to see if there are any police because I'm not doing anything illegal."

The first case is an example of struggling with sin. It is rebelling against authority, makes the driver tense, and is an example of rebellion: nobody is going to tell me what to do. Everybody else is violating the law so why shouldn't I?

The second is an example of resting in God's grace. It is accepting the speed that is best for everyone; there is no rebellion against the authorities. It brings inner peace and a greater enjoyment of God's creation.

Unfortunately there are too many Christians that are still struggling with sin, not realizing that they have died to its power and that by entering God's rest they have ceased from their own works. God's grace is intended to bring peace, not a struggle.

I'm urging everyone not to listen to those people who look at living in Christ as continuing to struggle with sin and the law. The truth is about having peace with God through Jesus Christ. He has given us everything we need to live a joyful, peaceful life, without struggling against the law that not longer applies to us.

Indeed I drive the speed limit everywhere. We are commanded to obey governing authorities, they are ordained and allowed to rule by God.

 

[jacks]

Pescador I appreciate your post and I get it isn't about what speed you're driving.

 

[ravindraneee]

There have been quite a few threads about the law and the Spirit. Unfortunately some put forth the idea that when you're a Christian you still struggle with sin. Here is a real world example about why this doctrine is false.

The Lord showed me about obeying the Spirit one day while I was driving. Let's say there is a 55 mph speed limit posted. What is your reaction? Do you say to yourself, "I can go 65 and probably won't get caught. There usually aren't any police around here and I'm not breaking the law by that much. Besides, everybody else is going about that speed."

Or do you say to yourself, "55 is the speed that the highway department has determined is the safe limit for this road. I believe that it's there for a reason and I have no desire to break the law. I'll just set cruise control to that speed and relax. I won't have to keep looking around to see if there are any police because I'm not doing anything illegal."

The first case is an example of struggling with sin. It is rebelling against authority, makes the driver tense, and is an example of rebellion: nobody is going to tell me what to do. Everybody else is violating the law so why shouldn't I?

The second is an example of resting in God's grace. It is accepting the speed that is best for everyone; there is no rebellion against the authorities. It brings inner peace and a greater enjoyment of God's creation.

Unfortunately there are too many Christians that are still struggling with sin, not realizing that they have died to its power and that by entering God's rest they have ceased from their own works. God's grace is intended to bring peace, not a struggle.

I'm urging everyone not to listen to those people who look at living in Christ as continuing to struggle with sin and the law. The truth is about having peace with God through Jesus Christ. He has given us everything we need to live a joyful, peaceful life, without struggling against the law that not longer applies to us.

I do the first. Just like Paul said, i do the very thing I hate to do!! I know going above speed limit is not safe for me or other passengers in the car. Still I do it.

 

[Pedrito]

The Hammer of Witches seems to have the correct perspective.

Romans 13:1,2:

1 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.

Titus 3:1:

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

Hebrews 13:17:

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

You will note that I did not speedily post in this thread.

 

[pescador]

I do the first. Just like Paul said, i do the very thing I hate to do!! I know going above speed limit is not safe for me or other passengers in the car. Still I do it.

Why??

 

[pescador]

I drive to conditions. I'm not going to create unsafe driving conditions for those around me for the sake of staying under the posted limit. People who drive slower than that limit and/or ride the brake do that sometimes.

Driving significantly under the speed limit can be dangerous. Exceeding the speed limit, determined by authorities) is dangerous and illegal.

 

[Pedrito]

By their fruits you shall know them?

How does the selfishness of speeding tie in with denying oneself, taking up one’s cross daily, and following in the footsteps of the Master?

“in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.”

• Does that apply to considering the safety of other road users and pedestrians?
• Does it apply to children?

“For whoever exalts himself shall be abased, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”

• Everyone who exceeds the speed limit exalts themselves above the law.
• That person also exalts themselves above those who are being jeopardised by that action.

============================================


Following in Jesus’ footsteps?

Do you think Jesus would have been speeding?

“For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.”

 

[Andben]

I agree with Pescador as it makes total sense to me.

I just had that situation happen to me a few years back. I got a Prayer for Judgement (PJC) for 74 in a 55, this means if I didnt get any tickets for 3 years it would drop off and be forgiven. But if I got even 1 ticket then both tickets would slam me at the same time.

I realized one day soon after that cruise control was the best thing ever, just set it to the current speed limit and have ZERO stress over it. Driving became more enjoyable as well and so much less stress.

 

[wayfaring man]

And yet there is the difference between the spirit of the law and the letter of the law.

The spirit or intent of speed limits is safe driving.

So when everyone is cruising at 65 on a crowded highway posted 55, it is actually safer to go a little faster than the posted 55.

Perhaps for this reason many police acknowledge a 5 mph leeway over the posted limit, in most circumstances. School and construction zones excepted.

 

[Endtime Survivors]

Or do you say to yourself, "55 is the speed that the highway department has determined is the safe limit for this road. I believe that it's there for a reason and I have no desire to break the law. I'll just set cruise control to that speed and relax. I won't have to keep looking around to see if there are any police because I'm not doing anything illegal."

Breaking worldly laws isn't inherently immoral. We shouldn't obey laws of the land just because they are laws of the land, but rather because the laws make sense. But, if a person is pestered by their conscience to drive the speed limit but doesn't, then that motivation (I believe) makes it sinful.

If a person drives a little faster because they genuinely believe it safer to keep up speed with those around them, then, for me personally, I don't see that as sinful.

Generally speaking, things like speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs etc should be obeyed because they make sense from a safety point of view. If someone chooses to break one of these rules, they should have a pretty good reason for it.

 

[pescador]

It bothers me, as the OP, that this thread has turned into a discussion about driving the speed limit or not. The intent of the thread is to discuss struggling with sin and the law. It's not important if you drive 5 mph over the speed limit!

 

[thesunisout]

There have been quite a few threads about the law and the Spirit. Unfortunately some put forth the idea that when you're a Christian you still struggle with sin. Here is a real world example about why this doctrine is false.

The Lord showed me about obeying the Spirit one day while I was driving. Let's say there is a 55 mph speed limit posted. What is your reaction? Do you say to yourself, "I can go 65 and probably won't get caught. There usually aren't any police around here and I'm not breaking the law by that much. Besides, everybody else is going about that speed."

Or do you say to yourself, "55 is the speed that the highway department has determined is the safe limit for this road. I believe that it's there for a reason and I have no desire to break the law. I'll just set cruise control to that speed and relax. I won't have to keep looking around to see if there are any police because I'm not doing anything illegal."

The first case is an example of struggling with sin. It is rebelling against authority, makes the driver tense, and is an example of rebellion: nobody is going to tell me what to do. Everybody else is violating the law so why shouldn't I?

The second is an example of resting in God's grace. It is accepting the speed that is best for everyone; there is no rebellion against the authorities. It brings inner peace and a greater enjoyment of God's creation.

Unfortunately there are too many Christians that are still struggling with sin, not realizing that they have died to its power and that by entering God's rest they have ceased from their own works. God's grace is intended to bring peace, not a struggle.

I'm urging everyone not to listen to those people who look at living in Christ as continuing to struggle with sin and the law. The truth is about having peace with God through Jesus Christ. He has given us everything we need to live a joyful, peaceful life, without struggling against the law that not longer applies to us.

Yes, it is not when we sin that we have an advocate with the Father, it is "if" we sin. In other words, we don't have to sin. Every sin is a choice for which we have no excuse.

For your example to be more accurate, you would have someone in the car egging you on, putting pressure on you to get to the destination more quickly. You would also get pulled over by the police for speeding when you hadn't. You might receive a letter in the mail promising a check for 50 dollars if you would send a picture proving you were 20 miles over the limit.