Signpost or Pilot Car?

Last week I was called upon through our 911 dispatch to help with support for a family dealing with a serious accident that left a family member in critical condition. While enroute I encountered some road paving work and had to stop as only one lane was open to traffic. Having stopped several cars back from the flagger holding the stop sign and knowing I needed to get to the scene as quickly as possible, I ran up to the front of the line and after explaining the situation the flagger instructed me to drive up to the front of the line as she radioed ahead. The pilot vehicle soon came, followed by traffic from the other direction and I was then led on through as quickly as possible to get me on to my destination.

The flagger, though going nowhere, played a beneficial role in regulating traffic. However, the driver of the pilot vehicle served an active role in LEADING safely through the work area and moving me toward my destination.

Jesus referred to some of the teachers of the day in this way.
“(2) The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, (3) so PRACTICE AND OBSERVE WHATEVER THEY TELL YOU -- BUT NOT WHAT THEY DO. For THEY PREACH, BUT DO NOT PRACTICE.” ( Matthew 23:2-3 ESV)

These were apparently teaching some right things since Jesus did not rebuke what was being taught. However, though they were pointing the way for others they were not moving that direction themselves. They were “signposts”
directing the way for others, but remained planted themselves where they were along the way.

What is the picture of our life? Are we living our lives merely as signposts, directing others away from hazards and in a right direction, but not traveling that way ourselves? Yes, such action may do some good for others, but it does not get us any further along the way. Or are we striving to be “pilot cars”, individuals who safely lead the way through life’s “narrowed lanes” and hazard areas and on toward the glorious destination God has in mind for us?

May we each be mindful of being more than a “signpost” along the way.
Let us rather be active in walking in The Way ( John 14:6) that we may continue toward the heavenly destination, properly and safely LEADING others as we go.

Have a great day ACTIVELY GUIDING OTHERS IN GOD’S WAY!
Carl

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