Watch Out for that Jesus Fish!

While this is far from a scientific study, I've noticed that a significant number of those who perform some of the most unsafe maneuvers behind the wheel are the same ones that are sporting the “Jesus Fish” on the backs of their cars. As with most of the topics I waste everyone’s time in contemplating, the irony of this is too good to pass up.

Disclaimer: I am a Christian, so I feel entitled to complain about this! I know; I know…you’re not perfect; just forgiven. I understand all that. I guess my gripe is that most of what we Christians learn in Sunday school or during the church service is a fleeting memory between visits to the sanctuary.

I’m aware of the fact that I’m not an expert on transportation, but I do commute to and from work 140 miles per day. This gives me plenty of opportunity to witness my brothers and sisters in Christ make a mockery of His teachings while cutting me off, pulling out in front of loaded semis and basically doing everything but focus on being courteous.

Courtesy…to me that’s a big part of being a Christian. Amazingly, it’s also a big part of being a safe driver. Consider the simple act of using your turn signal. Consistent use of a turn signal when changing lanes is a simple act that alerts others to one’s intentions.

How many times have you waited to turn onto the street and the car you waited on unexpectedly turns off the road? A big deal? Of course not. But wouldn’t it have been nice to turn onto the road before having to wait on 10,000 cars that were lined up behind the twit? I firmly believe the installation of the Jesus fish emblem or bumper sticker must immediately render turn signals unusable (the exact opposite behavior to what is experienced when following an elderly couple in a Seville with Florida plates). And just because you have that emblem slapped on a new BMW 5 series does not entitle you to pull out in front of me. I’m sympathetic to the need to beat the Methodists to KFC after church dismisses, but come on!

One final thing that bothers me about this – I’m somewhat skeptical of those I see in public making a show of their religious beliefs. I was always taught to pray in private and to beware those who were overly demonstrative with religion in public (Luke 20:46-47 is a good place to start). Do you really think God needs to read your bumper to see where your allegiance lies?

Oddly enough, I saw another bumper sticker that got my attention: “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.  – Gandhi”.  As a Christian, that stings! But think about it. Maybe that’s how we come across to "outsiders" due to many things…driving habits being but one!

"Jake's Musings" Preamble

I wanted to start off by explaining who I am, why you may (or may not) care to read this blog and give an overview of the types of blogs you may see in the future.

For those who have known me for any period of time, it will come as no surprise when I state that I am blessed (plagued?) with a mind that rarely shuts down. I often wake in the middle of the night with some random thought that gets added to a list of things to ponder when time allows. I try not to offend folks with these tidbits, but my quest for understanding oftentimes outweighs my concern for the gentle sensitivities of those around me. I consider myself a devout Christian and Protestant, despite the fact that I don't regularly attend church services. I should probably do better with that, but I've yet to find a congregation that I consider truly uplifting. When that day comes, they'll have to bar the doors to keep me out!

I'm fortunate enough to work in a field that has held my interest for 15 years (Information Technology). I've worked for a couple of companies during this period, and I've met numerous people who I regard as some of the most intelligent people in the world. Of course, the flip side to that coin is that I've also worked around some of the most insanely useless people in the world, too. I'm sure most working stiffs can relate to that!

My interests are varied: Spending time with my family and small circle of close friends (I'll try to leave them out of my blog-o-rrhea as much as possible), Music (metal, blues, jazz, and even small doses of bluegrass on occasion), NBA basketball (GO LAKERS!) and to a lesser degree NCAA basketball (GO HEELS!), technology, Other sports (football and baseball), Reading (mostly fiction of the fantasy genre), Politics (as it relates to Christianity) and last/least work.

What types of entries might one find here? Well...it could be related to any of my interest outlined above, or it could be anything that has held my attention for a period of time. One day I may complain about how Christians forget all about Christianity when they drive (coming soon!), why the Lakers will not have a 3-peat, why the iPad is the most overrated piece of technology ever thrust upon the public, or possibly some info on a movie I caught on TV. In short...you can expect to find most anything. I hope the two or three visitors will enjoy my musings and will provide feedback (when warranted) and return often!

- Jake