Verifying the lane next to me had ample room, I signaled my intent to change lanes. But immediately the driver in the next lane aggressively flashed his lights, sending me a clear message. Wanting to give him the benefit of the doubt, I reasoned he may be pressed for time. But as he passed me, his relaxed demeanor gave no indication of being in a hurry.

Minor irritation turned to righteous indignation when I saw his license plate. Not only did it display a Ichthus (the fish symbol indicating the driver is a Christian), but the words Be Kind framed the plate. 

“What a hypocrite,” I fumed, “It would have been kind to let me in.” As I continued along my way, I thought about these words from the Apostle Peter:

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV)

With these words, Peter reminds us that we live as foreigners or exiles in this world because our citizenship is heaven (Philippians 3:20). But we don’t live in isolation; we see others in the world and they see us ~ and the way we live. 

Peter’s reminder has always held a special significance for me. Growing up in an unbelieving family, I had a natural skepticism toward Christianity. But the godly life of a Christian coworker opened my heart to both the Bible and God. I personally know how powerful our living testimony can be.

As I continued to ponder over these scriptures, I began to remember times when I also failed to let another driver enter my lane. Not because I was in a hurry, but because I was so caught up in my own thoughts that I failed to see the other person’s desire to change lanes. 

I realized we, the other driver and I, love our God and desire to live in ways that glorify Him. But we are imperfect people, living in a broken world, and in need of grace. Thankfully, the writer of Hebrews comforts us with these words:

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)

As I concluded my thoughts, I prayed ~ for the other driver as well as for myself. I asked for each of us to draw near to God, to receive His grace, and to become stronger living testimonies for Him.

Wherever our life’s journey takes us, I pray we will remember to live such good lives that others see our good deeds and glorify God. And in those times when we do fail, may we confidently approach the One who extends us grace and helps us in our time of need.