Flying Fish

By Lynn Ludwick

A fish recently caught my eye, zipping past me on the freeway. It must have been going at least 80 mph. Mind you, this wasn’t the slippery scaly kind an angler hopes to find on the end of his fishing pole, rather a symbol glued on a red sports car flying by so fast I couldn’t read the car’s make or model. But I did notice the ichthus (fancy name, Greek origin, for the Christian fish sign)…and cringed.

It was bad advertising for Christians—and God. How could the driver hope to give a godly witness to the policeman who might pull him over for speeding? (“I know I’m wrong, Officer, but I’m late for church. And by the way, here’s a tract on how to become a Christian and live a godly life.”) And what might another driver think, one whose car sported a Darwinian fish with feet? Would that person be attracted to Christianity, or repelled by the man’s disregard for the law?

I checked my speedometer, eased off the gas a bit and turned on the cruise control. My own foot had carried me into disobedience. Or was I rationalizing with “the-devil-made-me-do-it” mentality? Cruise control, or what my father used to call the governor, is an external mechanism. A flick of a switch, a tap on the brake pedal, and I’d be back in control, able to go whatever speed I chose. In reality, my foot only followed the dictates of my heart and mind.

As I slowed and didn’t have to worry about my speed, I was able to enjoy the scenery—the lush green hills dotted with white sheep, all bathed in sunshine. And I thought how God provides a cruise control for my actions. His Word. As with driving my vehicle, I have the option of flicking my response on or off. But unlike the car’s device, the Holy Spirit can imprint scripture on my very heart to guide and direct me. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” Psalm 119:97 God doesn’t just tell me how he wants me to behave, however, He grants me Holy-Spirit power to follow through. The psalmist also notes that God’s commands make him wiser than his enemies, and cause him to gain insight and understanding. (verses 98-100) I like those benefits.

While my cruise control is a wonderful aid to keep me legal, I need to be self-controlled (final Spirit fruit, Galatians 5:23). Going downhill, my car picks up speed, above the programmed limit. The mechanism won’t guarantee my obedience. Likewise, the Holy Spirit guides me, but He doesn’t force me to do what’s right. In heart attitudes and outward actions I must be on the alert and regulate myself. I need to do the right thing when no one is watching; not go along with the crowd; hold tight to my integrity. And always, I must guard my thoughts.

And as I watched that red sports car, I’d best realize that others are watching me—friends and family as I struggle through difficulties; the little eyes of grandchildren with most everything I do; fellow Christians who might choose to emulate my actions, good or bad; unbelievers who will either applaud my actions or call me a hypocrite. And since God is ever watching, I want to please him—because we have a loving, joyous relationship, not because He’s a stern taskmaster. I long for His smile and His “Well-done, Lynn” greeting.

It’s my desire to exhibit the type of behavior that brings glory to God and inspires others. So for the safety of my soul, I’ll turn on my spiritual cruise control—read my Bible, know God’s desires and commands for my life, and ask the Holy Spirit to help me follow through. Then I’ll have opportunity to be a Christian fish others will want to emulate—not one flying up the freeway of life, exceeding the speed limit.

“Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain.” Psalm 119:35

Lynn Ludwick writes from Medford, Oregon. lynniegirl45@hotmail.com