Traffic signs are designed to regulate, warn, and guide drivers. However, these signs can also teach us some important spiritual lessons. This is part 5 of my 5-part series on “Lessons from a Traffic Sign.” You can find links to the other parts of the series at the end of this post.

Today, I want to discuss the “No Parking” sign, which identifies areas where you cannot legally park your car. Your car is parked when it is stopped and no longer moving. From a spiritual perspective, when you are parked, you have stopped growing in the Lord; you are at a standstill spiritually; you are no longer making progress toward becoming a stronger believer. The “No Parking” sign reminds us that as Christians, we should never stop growing spiritually.

The Bible tells us that we should continue to grow and progress in our walk with the Lord. Second Peter 1:5-8 state, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here are a few activities that will help you grow spiritually:

There is no parking as a Christian! Continue to make progress as you grow to be the spiritually mature believer God wants you to be. What will you commit to do to make sure you are not parked in your spiritual growth? Tell me about it in the comments.

Links to other parts of this series:

Traffic signs are designed to regulate, warn, and guide drivers. However, these signs can also teach us some important spiritual lessons. This is part 4 of my 5-part series on “Lessons from a Traffic Sign.” You can find links to the other parts of the series at the end of this post.

Today, I want to discuss the “Stop” sign, which instructs drivers to bring their vehicles to a complete stop and to proceed only when it is safe to do so. Spiritually, the stop sign tells you that there are some things you should stop doing according to the Word of God. For example, when you see a stop sign, it should remind you to…                                                                                                                                                                           

• STOP worrying. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are commanded not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What are you worried about today? I encourage you to take your concerns to God in prayer, trust Him to take care of the situation, and receive His peace.
• STOP thinking only about yourself. Philippians 2:3-4 state, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” The people around you have needs that God has given you the resources and ability to meet. As you go through your day, keep your eyes open for someone who you can help, uplift, and encourage.
• STOP trying to be your own boss. In Luke 6:46, Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” If Jesus Christ is your Lord, that means He is your Master; He is the One who tells you what to do. Stop trying to run your own life; instead, willingly submit yourself to His Lordship and to the authority of God’s Word.

What are some things you need to stop doing so your life can be more aligned with God’s Word? Let me know in the comments.

Links to other parts of this series:

Traffic signs are designed to regulate, warn, and guide drivers. However, these signs can also teach us some important spiritual lessons. This is part 3 of my 5-part series on “Lessons from a Traffic Sign.” You can find links to the other parts of the series at the end of this post.

Today, I want to discuss the “Yield” sign, which indicates that drivers must give way to other traffic, including pedestrians, already in or approaching an intersection. Essentially, the yield sign tells drivers to give up the right of way to others. Spiritually, the yield sign reminds us to give up what we want to do and prioritize God’s will over ours. In Luke 22:42, Jesus said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Like Jesus, we should willingly give the right of way of our lives to God and do His will, not our own. That means we should allow His desires to take precedence over our desires. We should seek to do what pleases God, not what pleases us.

We must read God’s Word regularly to know what God desires and what pleases Him. Then, once we know what God wants us to do, we yield to God’s way by doing what He commands. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

I pray that from now on, when we see a yield sign, it will encourage us to yield to God’s way and do His will every moment of every day.

What obstacles make it difficult for you to yield to God’s way and obey His Word? Tell me about it in the comments.

Links to other parts of this series:

Traffic signs are designed to regulate, warn, and guide drivers. However, these signs can also teach us some important spiritual lessons. This is part 2 of my 5-part series on “Lessons From a Traffic Sign.” You can find links to the other parts of the series at the end of this post.

Today, I want to discuss the “Do Not Pass” sign, which prohibits drivers from overtaking or passing other vehicles in a designated area. From a spiritual perspective, this sign reminds us that instead of passing by people who are in need, we should stop and help them.

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of a man who was robbed, beaten, and severely injured. Luke 10:31-34 say, “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”

In Jesus’ parable, both the priest and Levite passed by the man who was in trouble. However, the Samaritan did not pass by the man, but chose to stop and assist him. We see people in need all around us—in our cities, communities, and even in our families. God does not want us to pass by others who may be going through a difficult time; He wants us to help them.

First John 3:17-18 state, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” As you go through your day, when you see someone who needs your assistance, don’t pass them by; instead, demonstrate the love of God by doing something to help them.

What are some specific ways you can help others around you who are in need? Let me know in the comments.

Links to other parts of this series: