D-R-I-V-E-N
“4Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.” – James 3:4(NASB)
The premise of what I write today entails driving. I give my condolences to you youngsters who are too young to drive. I must say, you are missing out. Not only the thrills of incessant Toronto traffic jams, weekend drivers and Chinese parking lots, but also the thrill of being in control. Being in control of a multi-tonne piece of metal, wheels and windshield wipers is much more intense than the old initial d races. We can see how we relate this to our lives. Although we’re not furnished with dent-resistant doors and a set of wheels (unfortunately), we share this one same concept: we are able to choose our destinations and the route(s) we take to get there.
To break this all down and look at it, I’m going to refer to the verse I mentioned at the beginning of this article. The verse here outlines two main concepts that I want to talk about: driving force and direction. Here, it talks about a boat, driven by winds (the driving force), as well as the rudder, which guides the course of the whole boat giving us direction. Now we can relate this to cars, we have our gas pedal (although there’s much, much more at work than just that, just to simplify things), and we have our steering wheel. When we drive our cars we take for granted the amount of power put into both those parts. The gas pedal, requiring not much force will cause this car to accelerate and move it. But not only do we use the main function of our driving force, but also direction, which comes from the steering wheel. Again we use a small amount of power and we can control and alter the direction of our accelerating vehicle. And now, with these two functions, we have an operating vehicle that can take us from point A to B. The simple question, is where is “point B” and “how” are we going to get there. To avoid a waste of time and money (thankfully, gas is getting cheaper), your average driver would take time to find his destination and plan out a route before even starting the car. After a plan is made, we begin our journey to make ends meet and achieving our goals, whatever they may be.
Now, departing from the confusing analogies which I love to use, I’m going to relate this to our lives, and how we live. I’m sure most of you have picked up on it already, but first things first; I want to talk about our “point B”. What is it that we want, that we desire, place as the priority of ourselves. I’m not only talking about common goals we may share, but more eternal things. Where do you want to go with your life, where do you believe you are being called, what is it that makes you come alive? I ask these to make you think. Have you spent time to think about this? Do you know where you’re headed? Why? There are an infinite number of answers that people can come up with, but for myself as a devoted Christian, I believe in letting God decide my “point B”. A choice given to Him such that I can work for Him in all the ways he destined me to.
I talked about two parts that build up the functions of a car. And it also relates when we think about our lives. Living our lives to reach point B entails our own driving force, better known as motivation, and also direction. Without either of these two we would experience similar situations as a car that lacks the steering wheel or gas pedal would. Living without motivation or direction can leave us in very dangerous situations. Motivation lacking direction can cause crashes, whether it may be into pedestrians, other cars or brick walls, none are desirable. Direction lacking motivation can be just as distressing, like a bird without wings, aspirations without action, or a cure with no sickness. Useless.
Living a life where we want to reach point B requires motivation and direction. How we attain these two things is another story in itself as well. For a car, we need to constantly fill up our gas tanks, and use maps to guide our ventures. So in your life, what is your gas station? And what is your map? Where do your fill yourself up, and what with? A car running on premium will maintain much better than one on regular. This brings up our need for our constant relationship with God. Our need to come to him, to allow him to fill us up and satisfy our appetite, “26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.” - Proverbs 16:26(NIV). And when we think about the maps we have in our lives, what are we using to guide and direct ourselves, whether it may be people, media, God or other, how would you rate the quality of your map?
As confusing as I may have made a simple topic, I’m avoiding giving all the answers. For this I leave it to you, to think, reflect and contemplate on the motivation and direction in your life. What is it that motivates you? That guides you? Think about what has given you motivation and direction in the past, what motivates and guides you now and what you want to motivate and direct you in the future. Summed up in 4 words: What Drives Your Life?
Extra: I would like to add an irrelevant part to this article, but promoting my friend, Aaron’s xanga, where he too writes about his thoughts and beliefs. Give it a read if you have time, the link to his page is on the right side. And since I’m not a member of xanga and unable to post comments, keep up the faith bro. Keep letting the Holy Spirit work through you and move into those around you. Peace out, thanks for reading.
WooOOooo... haha you gave me a special link and entry in your blog lol thanks. Well yeah you're absolutely right.. The goal is extravagant and achievers few.. But we're both getting closer and closer to it everyday. There's that sermon-style entry! Interesting, because that's exactly what I'm teaching in sunday school today. Yes... I got another thing I can talk about now. Haha... Thanks a lot, take care bro.
-Aaron (the smarter one)
Posted by
Anonymous |
27/11/05 11:33 AM
hi. yes my name is FEEBEE. P-H-O-E-B-E. youur post is so.. spiritual wow. i promise i will read it all one day. but right now miss a.d.d. me is distracted by msn and other things. =)
Posted by
Phoebe Mak |
29/11/05 10:46 PM
Hi Derek!!!!!!!!!!! LONG time no see/talk... how are you and how's school?? Hope all is well!! Christmas is almost here... will you be back for the holidays? Prob huh? (= see yas!
Posted by
Anonymous |
30/11/05 11:26 AM
hey man thanks for the comment..its pretty weird how my blog talks about driving and encouraging people to drive safer, and yours talks about steering the right way...kind of connects in a way? lol..anyway..yea thanks for the words of encouragement..see you soon - derrick
Posted by
Anonymous |
2/12/05 5:43 AM