“Pet Peeve”. A quick Google search will find this definition, “something that a particular person finds especially annoying.” We all have them; some more bothersome than others. One of my most bothersome Pet Peeve’s is when people drive unnecessarily in the left lane, or the “passing lane”. This drives me nuts! For the life of me I can’t understand why some people seem to have some sort of innate desire to cruise in the left lane; most often under the speed limit, with a line of vehicles behind, with no opportunity to pass, seemingly completely unaware of what is happening around them.
What confounds me most is the fact that the right lane is perfectly capable of taking them where they want to go, in a safe manner, at the speed they desire to travel; yet they still give into the apparent mystical lure of the left lane! The result of this can be frustrating at best, and chaotic at worst.
Cue the explanatory point…
In one sense the same attraction to another lane mindset is transpiring in Christian circles. Our commission is to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. This simply means to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. This is the lane, “The Way” we are to travel in. The gospel is sufficient in every way for this journey, we need not travel in any other lane. But humans are going to do what humans do. We often think we can find a better way, a more winsome way, a more “loving” way to share the gospel. Sadly, this may mean lessoning or toning down aspects of the gospel in order to attract a certain culture, socio/economic group, etc. While intentions may (or may not) be good, traveling in any other lane ultimately causes confusion, frustration, and even chaos; and at times even appears to be pandering or appeasing.
May this serve as a reminder to me first… the gospel is sufficient. Lovingly, graciously, and prayerfully share it, and let God do His work.
Christian, stop lollygagging in the left lane… preach the gospel.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Treasuring Christ 