learner driver

Josh is learning to drive.   He has had two or three lessons so far and the other day he took us all out for a wee drive to the seaside - the first time he had had anyone in the back seat or indeed had driven so far.  He did really well.

It's funny though ;  I've been driving for 35 years and it is so automatic to me now that I genuinely barely think about any of it - the gears, the indicating, the looking and listening, the braking and turning it's all completely automatic.  My body and mind have learned what to do through repetiton and practice and now I am a good and confident driver.    Sam has been driving for a year.  He is still careful and has not yet come across every sort of driving behaviour and situation he might encounter.  But by and large he is no longer having to concentrate as fiercely and think as carefully as Josh is doing just now.


When you are in the car with a learner driver you realise a few things.

1) Learners are fanatical about the rules.   As an experienced driver you dont always play by the rules  😀  You don't pay attention to every sign and signal, you don't religiously obey every speed limit sign the moment you cross over the line.  You use your judgement at junctions and probably dont put the handbrake on when the Highway Code says you should.  etc etc etc

2) Learners can only drive at 40mph.   When you are sitting with a learner you become aware of how much of a hurry everyone is in and how impatient most people are with those bearing L plates

3) You become super aware of the state of the roads - the potholes, verges and markings.

Spiritual application?

New Christians.  They follow all the rules ( because they need there to be rules so that they can learn the ways of Jesus properly and quickly and easily)   As older Christians we sometimes dispense with the ' rules' ( spiritual disciplines ).  Perhaps a case of familiarity breeding contempt?   Bible rules are like the Highway Code - always there for our good, and the good of all other ' road users'.  We can drive without paying due care and attention to the whole book, but if we live by the rules we are far less likely to have accidents on the way.

New Christians take their time.  They dont always ' get it' straight away.  They need someone sitting with them, reminding them and explaining.  They need quiet safe places to practice their theological arguments, ask questions, speak and pray and sing and use their gifts.  We who have been around a while can be guilty of impatience or wanting to take the wheel.

The road isnt always the best.  As older and experienced saints perhaps we know where the potholes are and how to avoid them.  Newbies dont.  They need to go slowly, be vigilant and be taught how to avoid getting stuck.

Someone taught us to drive once.  And someone also prayed for us, youth grouped us, bible studied us, gave us a platform, trusted us with a job of service, took us on a team or encouraged us in our gifts.   Where are the new believers you can encourage, inspire, disciple and teach to drive this week?