The Impact of Switching Lanes

We were all just trying to get home.

Traffic in front of me had slowed but the car behind me continued to stay close to my bumper. Frustrated, I turned on my signal to switch lanes. The car behind me immediately sped up and moved into that lane, preventing me from moving. Moments later, they cut me off before continuing to weave through traffic, hindering anyone else from changing lanes. Despite the effort to get ahead, I met that car at nearly every light on the way home.

I was frustrated, and I couldn’t help but think that sometimes life feels that way too!

We indicate a change we hope to make and the people around us block that move.

Sometimes it seems intentional, like they need to reach an imaginary finish line before us. Maybe they just aren’t paying attention to what’s going on around them or the people their actions may impact.

Either way, they disregard the needs or wants of everyone but themselves so they can try to get ahead.

Sadly, it happens in families, the workplace, even churches. Instead of thinking of the needs of the whole, some people focus on their desires alone. In the process, those around them get hurt.

Like the driver in traffic that blocked me from moving, we won’t always have the opportunity to explore why someone behaves the way they do. What we can examine when we encounter situations like this is how we respond and whether or not we behave in a similar manner.

Don’t Hinder Other Believers With Your Actions

The Bible gives us this warning in Romans 14:13. “Let us stop judging one another. Instead, decide not to put anything in the way of a brother or sister. Don’t put anything in their way that would make them trip and fall.” (NIRV)

Our actions have an impact on the people around us and our behavior can hinder their growth. Do you ever think of that when you’re focused on something you want? With your achievement help or hurt your family? Your church?

Let Our Actions Encourage Others

1 Thessalonians 5:13 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (ESV)

If we look at the big picture, our focus shouldn’t be on what is best for just us. We need to look to our family and community for encouragement and offer them the same in return. Sometimes that means sacrifice, but if we look at Christ for our example, what we sacrifice is small in comparison.

*This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, we may receive a small commission. You will not be charged more for purchasing through one of our links.