Buckled Up!

Last week, Jackie and I went out on a dessert date which led to a late night visit to WalMart. While on the way to WalMart, the seat belt warning alarm went off. What was strange about this was we were both already buckled into our seat belts. With the strict "Click it or Ticket" laws in Texas, "buckling up" has become a matter of habit for both of us.

With warning bell ringing and dashboard light flashing, we checked our seat belts to be sure they were secure. Mine was secure alright. In fact, it wouldn't release at all.

I keep pushing the release button and nothing is happening. At stop signs, I'm putting the car in park, and with both hands working to set myself free. Oh, by the way, did you know that 2005 Ford Mustangs are equipped with the most annoying seat belt alarm, especially after you have heard it every minute for last fifteen minutes.

By now, I am not only frustrated but I'm getting a little claustrophobic. I start having paranoid thoughts. "I can't get out of the car." "What if the car dies on a railroad track and a train is coming?"

Fortunately, we arrived at WalMart, avoiding all railroad crossings, but I was still being held captive. Jackie suggests cutting the seat belt, but that would mean the expense of replacing the seat belt. Besides, I had taken the "emergency scissors" out of the car last weekend.

Jackie's giggling by now. It wasn't funny...because, by now the two cups of coffee I drank with my dessert, have finished their tour through my digestive system and are ready to check out.

What happened next I hope no one caught it on camera and placed it on YouTube. It must have been a sight to behold. A gray-haired grandfather-type posing as a contortionist. I wiggled, I twisted, I stretched and squirmed myself out from under the seat belt and shoulder strap until, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, I am free at last."

This weird but eventually humorous episode, got me to thinking about how things which are supposed to be good for us, can sometimes take us captive.

For example, there is nothing wrong with recreation, whether it is hunting, fishing, golf, shopping, gardening, traveling, watching TV, surfing the web or working out at the gym. Unless we allow it to consume our thinking, our actions and our conversation to the point, it becomes something that pulls us away from God.

For some the issue of our occupation can become more than providing for the needs of our family. Especially, when we use it as a means to justify our significance or the accumulation of stuff. In doing so we can find ourselves making excuses for neglecting the importance of building a spiritual foundation for our lives and homes.

There are many things that can hold us captive...fear, drugs, anger, worry, bitterness, greed, pornography, and pride which we acknowledge as sin. But anything that hinders our relationship with God is considered sin. Potentially, it's grip can keep you from experiencing a meaningful relationship with God, which He intends for us because He loves you.

"Do not let sin control the way you live;...Sin no longer is your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you in sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace." (Romans 6:12-14 New Living Bible)

Jesus said, "So if the Son(Jesus) sets you free, you will be free, indeed." (John 8:36)

Take the opportunity to examine your life. What's keeping you from experiencing the full and meaningful life that God wants you to have? Too busy? Preoccupied? What are you spending your time, money and energy on? Is it hindering you in your relationship with God and others? Are you controlling it or is it controlling you?

Maybe it's time to ask the Lord to help you escape its grip on your life.
We are never really free, until we are "captured by God's grace."