I had just pulled off of I-10 in Baldwin County, Alabama and I turned north onto AL 59. I had traveled about 1/2 mile when I realized I was still going interstate speeds. Just as I lifted my foot off of the accelerator to allow friction to slow me down, an Alabama State Trooper topped the hill coming toward me.  As we passed, I saw him make a U-turn and turn on his lights.  Assuming, it was for me, I pulled over, rolled down the window, and turned down the radio. He did pull in behind me and eventually awarded me a certificate for my ability to exceed the speed limit.  I did have to pay for that certificate. (For the record, that was 30 years ago.)

I have had the opportunity to talk with local law enforcement officers and troopers in similar road side situations since then. They have warned about a tail-light, a too-sudden lane change, an illegal U-turn on a country road, that the speed limit was 45 not 55, and once when I was driving a car that belonged to Jasper Auto Sales for suspicion that it was one they reported stolen. But that first incident is the last time I was awarded the blessing of a ticket.

Maybe you have had blue lights on behind your car. What goes through your mind? Do you get angry that the officer is pulling you over. Do you look to see if it is the end of the month and mumble that they are filling a ticket quota? Do you think the law has it out for you or cars like yours? Do you think the officer has a “need for power” and is a bully?

Or . . .

Do you know that the officer has seen his/her share of fatal and serious accidents caused by excessive speeds, illegal U-turns, reckless lane changes, or distracted drivers and they are trying to prevent you from becoming a statistic?

Maybe the officer has your best interest in mind.

Sometimes, we look at God and His Will the way we do law enforcement officers.  We think of God’s Will as a killjoy, as too restrictive, or even punishing. The Hebrew writer explains the role of God’s Will, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6).

Could it be that God knows the dangers, pitfalls, and the destructive nature of sin and He wants to save us from sin’s effects? Could it be that God has and always has had my best interest and your best interest in mind?

Maybe we should spend more time learning His Will, knowing His Word, paying attention to reading and being diligent with Scripture.

-Scott