Is Speeding the Ultimate Act of Faith?
I've had the occasion recently to do a bit of driving. And as I watched some of the other drivers mosey on down the road while others practically flew, I found myself reflecting on breaking the law by ignoring the speed limit.
The first place to start is with a defining question. Is speeding a sin? Because normally when we think of breaking the law, it coincides well with sin. Don't steal, don't hit, don't hurt other people. But what about speeding? Often in Dallas if you are driving 10 over, you belong in the slow lanes. But as I learned, out towards Amarillo, 11 over means you're going to get a ticket for breaking the law. Now, legality is not morality, so the law is not the end all be all of how we live, but in general good citizens follow the law. So, which is it? I know my answer, but the entire premise of the question in the title leans towards it not being a sin.
This is a bit ad absurdum. That is, to the point of absurdity, but it's one of those theological questions that pops up from time to time especially in a season when we deal with spooky and supernatural as a part of the general conversation around this time of year. What is it that makes speeding connect to faith?
Well, some consider speeding to be a fatal and foolish activity. To go too fast endangers yourself, any passengers, and anyone unlucky enough to be on the road at the same time and in the same place as someone who is going too fast. But, a frequent speeder might argue, I am in control of my vehicle. I know how to drive. This is not dangerous for me... It might not always be dangerous for the person speeding, but it can leave a wake of cars with no space to maneuver and result in homicide if not the death of the driver. To care so little for the lives of others and potentially yourself does not seem like it could ever be interpreted as an act of faith much less a good example of one.
Do we fear death? As Christians we affirm that God keeps God's promises. This is truth for us. God offers us life and salvation and goodness even now. We do not have to wait until death to experience these things. God's love for us is much more immediate and impactful. So, death is not what we fear. Right? I know I have glibly joked more than once that I do not fear death, but I am in no hurry to get there either. Is that not true for most of us? So trusting so completely in God that if we die while driving perhaps that was the plan all along. To trust so completely in what God is doing that if we do feel called to speed it is an act of obedience and therefore an act of faith?
It can be argued that speeding is an act of faith. That God will protect. That God will guide your way. That God will make sure nothing happens. But I also do not think that it is the ultimate act of faith. We are meant to live while we are here on earth, not hasten our departure. To treat our bodies as holy temples that we invite God to dwell in them and be with us always in our hearts and minds. We do not have to sin more so that grace may be abundant. Even with all good intentions we will still sin. Speeding does not align with this thought process at all.
In short, this whole thing is a bit of a complaint about how people drive 75 in the clearly marked 65 mile per hour construction zone betwixt here and Gainesville and how I struggle to not join the flow of traffic when everyone else is just passing me right on by. What do you think? Is speeding faithful? Or sinful?
