Risks
By Byron Washington, Columnist
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration recently launched a campaign with the caption:
“Stop. Trains Can’t.” The campaign is to encourage individuals not to ignore railway warning signals and not to drive around a lowered gate at a railroad crossing.
NHTSA’s website states that a train can stop but “it may take a mile or more for some trains to come to a complete stop.” Also, you may think that you can beat a train but “a train is three feet wider than the track on each side.”
Proverbs 12:15 says, “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice.” Here, then, is a proposition for all of us to consider: “Why take an unnecessary risk that essentially gains us nothing?”
Think about the person who runs a red light on a busy street only to be stopped at the next intersection by a red light and all the cars he or she “beat” are now at that light as well. Nothing was gained.
As the year is careening to a close, let us look at the risks and choices in front of us. Starting a new business, pursuing a degree, changing jobs, homeschooling your children, or relocating to a new state all have risks; but, those risks can be quantified, monetized, and have a benefit associated with them. Some risks have no benefit, no matter how you assess the situation or scenario.
Some risks will put you in the crosshairs of a train moving at full speed and in no case have I seen a car, mini-van, or SUV “win” in a crash with a train. Given the current climate of the nation, compounded with COVID-19, and other personal situations, it is a ripe season to harvest poor choices and unnecessary risks.
As Christians, the enemy wants nothing more than for you to try to beat that train. He wants you to drive around the barriers and warnings that God placed there for our safety, only to find yourself in the middle of a deadly collision that could have been avoided.
My brothers and sisters, there is something better ahead. Do not let the impatience of the moment and the cunning whisper of the enemy’s voice saying, “It’s ok, you can make it, it’s not that dangerous,” make us pull onto the tracks and into imminent danger.
John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” You have a destiny and future. Don’t lose it on an unnecessary risk that ultimately derails, damages, and—in some cases—destroys your life.
