Recently on a drive back to KY from IA, I had a lot of windshield time. I had gotten bored with an audio book that I was listening to and switched over to a local radio station just as the radio personalities were discussing their reactions to yellow lights at traffic intersections. You know with radio personalities the banter can be fairly (or unfairly) entertaining and their bit about this topic was enlightening to how quickly our brains can process information and how poor decisions can be make just as quickly.
We have all come to an intersection and seen the yellow light. It is a moment of decision and many thoughts play into the choice that we make with how to react to that call to action.
How long has the light been yellow?
How fast am I going?
Can I speed up and get through before it is red?
How close is the car behind me?
Is there oncoming traffic?
Are there witnesses? Specifically, are there officers?
How much later will I arrive if I get stuck at this red light?
All of these questions answered in a very short period of time, all while the foot shuffles between the gas and the brake, determine our relationship to the yellow light. And our relationship to the yellow light determines our decision.
The yellow light, in a way, mirrors our spiritual journey.
Faced with temptation, that green light urges us forward into situations that seem harmless or may even seem beneficial. We might justify our thoughts or actions, thinking, “it won’t hurt anyone,” or “everyone else is doing it.” In a split second, something leaves our lips that can’t be unsaid. Sixty minutes of an inappropriate TV show plants scenes that can be unseen.
But God, in His love, provides us with a “yellow light” – a warning, an uneasy sense, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It might be a nagging feeling of guilt, a verse from Scripture that suddenly comes to mind, or the advice of a trusted friend.
The choice is ours. We can ignore the warning, press on, and risk the consequences. Or we can heed the caution, slow down, and consider our steps.
If we choose to disregard the warnings, we may face the consequences of our actions – broken relationships, damaged reputations, or even spiritual harm. However, if we choose to obey the “yellow light” and seek God’s guidance, we experience His peace and protection. We might avoid pitfalls, make wise choices, and grow closer to Him.
So how do we respond when God gives us the “yellow light” of caution? Is our relationship one of trust in His guidance? Do we recognize the correlation between love and obedience?
Just as obedience is the expression of love, love is also the motivation for obedience.
Proverbs 14:12 reads, “There is a a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Then how can I know that I am pleasing Him – that I am making the right choices at the intersections in my life?
The beautiful words in Proverbs 3:5-6 are a great comfort to me.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.“
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us in your ways. Help us Lord to lean into you for understanding and allow You to direct us in the choices that we make daily. And help us to humbly assume a posture of humility to ask forgiveness when we falter. We love you, Lord.