Speeding – Is it a sin?
Some people wonder whether speeding is a sin. After all, speeding is not mentioned in the Bible, is it? While speeding is not in the Bible, God's Word is clear regarding the Christian's response to governing laws.In Romans 13:1-2, the apostle Paul wrote, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." If the government has posted a requirement about a certain speed limit, those who follow God are called to obey it.
Another aspect to consider in this issue of speeding is the message it sends to other people. In 2 Corinthians 8:21 we see, "For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lords sight but also in the sight of man." Our goal should be to do what is right in God's sight and in the eyes of others whenever possible. If you have a Christian bumper sticker or fish on the back of your car and drive dangerously, what message does that send to others?
First Peter 2:13-15 also addresses this topic, saying, "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." By doing what is right, including in our driving, we can set an example in a culture in which others do wrong.
Many Proverbs also touch on this topic. Proverbs 14:16 observes, "One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless." Proverbs 10:23 adds, "Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding." Even Proverbs 16:2 touches on our motives as it relates to speeding: "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit." Yes, there may be an occasional emergency that takes priority over the posted speed limit, but the Lord knows these occasions and evaluates your heart in these cases.
It is also helpful to remember that in God's sight, there are no "levels" of sin. Every wrong is sinful in the eyes of God. Though speeding may not seem like a big deal from our human perspective, our disrespect of governing authority in this area dishonors God. We are called to live to please Him in all areas, even those areas like speeding that many consider unimportant in relation to our spiritual life.
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Truth about Sin
