Steer Clear!

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14-15

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.   Proverbs 4:14-15, NIV

A WEALTHY MAN was once searching for a chauffeur to drive his limousine. Many people applied for the job, but the millionaire picked only a few to take a driving test.

The millionaire sat comfortably in the back of the limousine and told the first applicant to begin driving. As they drove along a narrow mountain road, the millionaire called to the driver, “See how close you can steer us to the edge of the cliff without falling off.” The driver, eager to show his skill, steered the expensive car within a few feet of the dangerous bluff. When they returned to the mansion, the millionaire said, “Thank you. We’ll let you know.”

The second driver then slipped behind the steering wheel. Again, the millionaire said, “See how close you can steer us to the edge of the cliff without falling off.” The driver, who was determined to outdo the first applicant, steered the long limousine within inches of the cliff! When they returned to the mansion, the millionaire told the second driver, “Thank you. We’ll let you know.”

Another driver then took the second driver’s place and was given the same instructions. But the third driver answered, “No way! I wouldn’t go near the edge of that cliff no matter how much money you paid me!” The millionaire smiled and answered, “You’re hired!”

The millionaire’s request was not intended to test the driver’s skill; it was intended to test each man’s wisdom. When he found a man who would steer clear of danger even if it meant losing a potential job, he knew he had found a safe driver.

God is looking for young men and women who will steer clear of danger, too, because he knows that making right choices begins with avoiding temptation. He doesn’t want his children to see how close they can get to sin without giving in. He wants you and me to look at temptation and say, “No way! I’m not getting near that!”

Many wrong choices can be avoided if we just steer clear of temptation. The Bible says: “Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good” (1 Timothy 6:11). If you’re tempted to steal cookies, stay out of the kitchen! If your friends are trying to get you to try cigarettes, get some new friends! In other words, if you avoid the temptation before you’re tempted, you’re less likely to be tempted. And that will make it easier for you to make the right choice.

REFLECT: Do you usually steer close to temptation or do you tend to steer clear of temptation? Think of your three strongest temptations. How can you steer clear of them?

PRAY: “Lord, give me the desire to run from all that is evil and to follow all that is right and good.”