It’s Sometimes Hard to Be a Good Christian

I was stopped at a traffic light yesterday; I was in the third lane from the left. The two left lanes were turn only lanes. And although the left hand turn was my desired destination the traffic in those two lanes was backed-up for quite some distance. So I decided to stay in the main lane until I passed through the light. Once I got through the light it was my intention to make a U-turn, followed by a right hand turn, which would’ve put me back on track to my desired course in less time. Of course I could have gotten into one of the turn only lanes in the first place and patiently waited my turn through four or five light cycles, but what kind of option is that?

In any case when the light turned green and traffic proceeded forward, a car in the turn lane next to me left approximately a two car length opening between him and the car in front of him. What luck I thought. Now there was no need to test my cars steering radius or waste precious rubber on my tires from a pointless U-turn. So instead of continuing straight ahead I eased my car into the opening and made the left turn. Now at this point I am sure you are wondering why I am describing my turn by turn exploits of my evening commute. If this were the end of the story I would completely agree with you.

Quite frankly I thought it was the end of the story. Anyhow, I continued down the road for awhile not giving it another thought. And why should I have? It wasn’t a reckless move; I had more than enough room to ease in between the two cars. So one would think no harm no foul, right?

Apparently my move was so spectacular that it was of the Mario Andrettiesque variety. An older woman in the lane to my left pulled up beside me and tried to get my attention. Being that it was a nice spring day, I had my window rolled all the way down. When I noticed her she yelled to me “nice move!” She finished her comment off with a single finger salute to which I responded with a wide smile and a wave.

Now you might think that my immediate reaction was well intentioned and in line with our Christian values. A happy smile and a polite wave for the compliment just bestowed upon me. If that is what you are thinking than I believe you’d be correct. It wasn’t my immediate response that concerns me. It was the potential confession worthy thoughts I had as I continued on down the road that have me worried.

It is hard to be a good Christian sometimes. Before my conversion I wouldn’t have given my ill-fated thoughts any consideration. It is now that I am sincerely trying to live my life as God would want me to live it that I find it to be ever more difficult. I am not complaining mind you, I am just expressing my trials and tribulations. I guess I should just chalk it up to a lesson in humility. I must continue to strive to be a better Christian in all of my thoughts and deeds. If any of you out there have some advice on the subject, my ears are open.

God Bless,

-Scott