If you have spent any time driving on I-95 through Palm Beach County, Florida, then you know that some of the worst driving in the world happens right here. The key to navigating these roads is to master defensive driving. If you can do that, you will probably be just fine.
First, you have to watch on the road. Spatial awareness is very important. Second, you need to anticipate possible road dangers. This can be a lot more difficult. You never know if someone will suddenly cut you off or slam on their breaks. The best practice is to play it safe. Don’t rush, watch the flow of traffic, and if you have to, pump the brakes. Being willing to slow down can rescue you from all sorts of hazards.
Most drivers already know these things. But, for some reason we often have trouble applying these same principles to our view of sin. Instead of looking ahead and looking for the warning signs of sin, we allow ourselves to get as close as we possibly can and then are surprised when we have an “accident.” Question: If I close my eyes and start driving down I-95 at rush hour, can I really call it an accident when I slam into the first car I come across? It is no different with sin. We need to walk defensively by being aware of our surroundings and anticipating temptations.
Look at the example of David and Bathsheba. David allowed temptation to turn him into an adulterer and murderer. But, was it just an accident? In 2 Samuel 11:2-4, we can see that David ignored several warning signs. The scripture tells that first, he “saw” Bathsheba bathing. Then, he “beheld” her beauty. After that, he “inquired” about her. Finally, he “sent” for her. At which point should David have realized that he was heading down a dangerous path? Seeing Bathsheba could have been avoided to begin with if he kept his eyes where he knew they should have been. Instead, he let the temptation blind him to the dangers.
No one accidentally sins. God gives us warning signs. James 1:14-15 tells us, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” We need to be aware of the things that tempt us and avoid them at all costs. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God promised that He will always provide us a way to escape sin. But, we cannot close our eyes and expect to find an exit from sin.
We need to walk defensively. When we see the signs of temptation, instead of barreling through them blindly, pump the brakes. Look for the way out. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).