Don't Blame me for the Speed Limit
This isn't a surprise if you know me at all - I'm really big on faith application. Take your beliefs, your morals, your religion... and put it into action! The premise of my writings here and much of my preaching is that one message: live your faith! I often frame it as a question based around different examples: "What does being a Christian mean for where you shop?" "How do your 'spiritual but not religious' morals inform what you eat?"
The blog title is such an example, "Driving Like a Minister" - which could be translated to any daily activity paired with someone of strong faith. Here's a "choose your own blog title" post I made to show just this generalization.
Even though I write and reflect specifically about faithfully driving, I know that how I drive can upset other people on the road. I know that I upset others on the road - and I don't change my behavior!
Here's what I do, as best I can, I follow the speed limit. Yes - even on that one road where the speed limit feels like it should be 20mph higher... I aim for not exceeding the legal maximum.
Here's my rationale, in order of weight (for me):
- It is the law. That's my biggest reason, that I want to follow the law.
- It is safer. The higher the speed, the more likely a crash and more likely to have injuries.
- It keeps me grounded. The faster I go, the less I am aware of what I am doing. So I'm less safe and less mindful.
- I trust experts. Roads are designed and engineered, including the speeds allowable. I trust the people who planned the roads that they have rationale for the limits.
I know that I am in the minority n the United States. I see people pass me - legally, illegally, safely or aggressively... I have had other drivers flash their lights, honk, tailgate.. and yet I do not speed up or pull onto the shoulder. You know why? Because I am not to blame for the speed limit and I am not going to go out of my way for someone else to do something illegal and possibly unsafe.
There, I said it! Just as I won't go out of my way so someone can steal, lie or cheat I am not going out of my way to allow speeding. That being said, I'm also not intentionally blocking other drivers. I'm not going out of my way to obstruct others.
That text is from a bumper sticker which I have debated getting. But what would be the outcome of putting these words on my car? And what does it mean that someone might need to let others know they are gong to follow the law. It has become so strange to follow this one law that people we interact with need a reminder. I don't feel the need to wear a button telling people I follow any other law. "Don't blame me, I don't steal." "It's not my fault I don't sell alcohol to minors, blame the law."
Where does this leave us? Should laws always be followed? I don't think so, not when they go against morality (slavery used to be legal, just as helping someone flee slavery was illegal). There are many more examples, current and past, but I don't think the speed limit is immoral.
I think the point is that whatever our morals are, whatever our faith calls us to do - there will be people who will be upset by how our actions impact them. Driving safely and legally is a moral imperative for me. What do you do which has upset others unintentionally? Does your faith call you to be counter-cultural? Are there laws you must follow? Are there laws you must NOT follow?
Stick fast to your beliefs, even when it goes against the norm or possibly irritates others! If there is space, have a conversation (hard to do on the road).
And then remember that other people are living their lives too and who knows, the person you are getting really angry at driving slowly might be your minister or maybe even your best friend. Be kind.