Way back when in the long ago, when I was taught to drive to a car, they had a trick for STAYING IN YOUR LANE. They said to look straight ahead and find an object in the distance that is centered in your lane and focus on it. They said this would keep you safely in the middle of your lane. I believe this trick will work spiritually too as we continue on the right road and focus on heaven. “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Heb. 11:16).
First, as we travel here on earth let us make sure we do not give pavement cracks, bumps, and potholes too much attention. “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1; John 16:33). At times, these steering threats may seem difficult to navigate and occupy our attention. But we must be careful not to focus more on the hazards than on where we are trying to go. The road may not always be smooth but through biblical faith it will be spiritually safe (Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 5:7). Life’s expressway should not create spiritual insecurity or be given more concern than it deserve. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
Second, as we travel forward let us make sure we do not spend too much time in the rear-view mirror. This can also distract us and have us swerving out of our lane. Much of what is behind us should be left in the past. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). Not that we totally forget or that we should not take an occasional glance in the mirror at our past failures, hurts, and transgressions that have been left behind. However, mirrors are aids for traveling safely ahead, not for revisiting where we have been (Luke 9:62; Heb. 10:39).
Finally, use every day to look ahead in the distance beyond this life to God and his promise. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Tit. 1:2; Acts 17:11). This will keep us from veering out of our lane that we may stay centered on the straight and narrow highway, which leads to life in heaven (Matt. 7:13-14).
