Beware of back-seat drivers!

Let me suggest a picture which, I believe, may well describe something of the story of many Christians. Just for a moment think of yourself as a magnificent vintage car, beautifully designed and manufactured. After some years of being owned by an evil and dangerous driver you’ve been bought, and now you’re being driven by the original designer of this wonderful machine.

The previous driver took you along dark and twisting roads and was permitted to give seats in the back of the car to very unpleasant and forceful hitchhikers, who were always pressing for the darkest and most damaging routes. They frequently got their way, imposing their nasty characters on the story and the journey of this unique vehicle. What a wonderful change it was when the original designer took charge of the steering wheel! This new driver proved entirely safe as he chose roads that were well lit and straighter, just right for such a special car.

But a problem persists. A number of the unpleasant passengers who were invited to have a seat in the back are still on board! Every now and then one of them reaches forward, grabs the wheel and tries to pull the car off-course down one of the old roads that did so much damage. Sometimes they succeed. The new owner says he’s both willing and very able to throw them out. However, he says that it’s first up to us to make it very clear that the seats they’ve been occupying are no longer available to them, and that it’s time for them to leave.

This, of course, is a simple picture of the deliverance ministry for followers of Jesus. Sometimes we may need to stop the ‘car’ and ask Him to help us look truthfully at our lives and make sure there are no ‘back-seat drivers’. If He shows us that there is a problem, we will need to proclaim that these ‘seats’ are no longer designated for control by issues such as fear, superstition, lust, self-pity, rejection or unbelief. We will need to strongly tell the enemy, and any unwanted back-seat drivers, that this vintage car is going to be driven only by Jesus and it is time for them to get out! How much more peaceful it will be without them!

Prayer: Father, give us the courage to sometimes stop and check for any unwanted passengers in this amazing human body that You have purchased at such a huge price. We want Jesus alone to hold the steering wheel. Amen.