autoguide.com

Google recently announced a plan to test 100 driverless cars in California. There is no steering wheel. No controls. Nothing to worry about.

These cars are for Google Maps, but we may see a future one day where we never have to step behind the steering wheel again.

I would miss being able to drive my own car. Few things clear my mind like hopping in my truck with my dog, rolling the windows down, putting on some good music, and driving aimlessly down the highway.

If you think about it, the act of driving itself is not so carefree. It’s actually quite the complicated process.

Think of all the things you do in the driver’s seat to keep your car on the road:

You have to keep your foot on the gas. Check your rearview mirror. Glance over to your side mirrors. Stay within the speed limit. Check you fuel gauge. Keep your hands on the wheel. Tap the brake. Watch for stop signs and traffic lights. Signal when turning or changing lanes. All pretty much simultaneously.

That’s not to mention dealing with the windows, wiper blades, A/C, radio, auxiliary port, and whatever or whomever may be riding along with you.

Our walk with Christ is similar. You don’t just go along for the ride with Jesus.

Sometimes we think becoming a Christian means we can let God do all the work. It’s tempting to crawl into the backseat and expect God to do all the driving since we’ve given our lives to him now.

Living out your faith is a constant process. You must always be praying. Reading. Studying. Checking in on your blind spots. Growing. Learning. Working.

If you lose focus or let your foot of the gas for even a second you leave yourself open for a dangerous wreck.

Here’s the thing about Google’s current driverless cars: they’re only meant to travel short distances at 25 mph. They’re not built for the long travels of life.

Likewise, if you treat your life like a driverless car you’ll only end up circling the block.

You cannot simply let Jesus take the wheel and take a nap in the backseat.

Yes, we get to relax a bit knowing we can trust in the perfect guide to map out our path. And we should not try to bear the burden of traveling the road of life on our own.

If you want to see a change in your life, consult the Lord in prayer. Seek his direction as you set out on the journey and along every step of the way.

But if you really want to move anywhere down the highway of life, at some point you must hop in the driver’s seat and press the gas.

Do you think following Christ is like getting in a driverless car? Or do you think we are called to hop in the driver’s seat?