Having attempted to teach two daughters how to drive, I was captured by the example my friend Lee Eclov shared. It taught me something about living in the fear of the Lord.
As Lee tells it, he used to think that living in "the fear of the Lord" was like driving down the street while watching the policeman in your rearview mirror. Most of us who drive know what that is like. But Lee offers up a better picture for fearing the Lord. He says,
It's like a teenage driver who suddenly spots her father's car in her rearview mirror. Seeing him back there puts her on notice to be on her best behavior—to use her blinkers and stop at the yellow light, and to keep both hands on the wheel. But it also tells her that her father cares enough to follow her. It tells her that she's safe. Her father isn't trying to trap or trick her. He's trying to help her develop good habits; not just to be careful on this trip, but to obey the laws and stay safe until she gets home. She's driving on her own, but not completely on her own.
How wonderful is that image? I can identify with that in my life with Christ. In some way, fearing the Lord is like living with my heavenly Father in my rearview mirror. I look up and see his perfect holiness, but also his patient care. I am motivated to do what is right, and inspired by his loving concern. As the immortal, invisible God, there is nowhere I can run from his presence.
Now if only I could find a way to shadow my 17-year-old without it seeming creepy…
