Give Gap - Take Gap

In busy east Marietta, Georgia there is a traffic sign with the message "GIVE GAP - TAKE GAP." You may have seen such a sign somewhere else, but I think this is the only one I`ve ever seen. The sign is placed where traffic leaving a bank merges into Sewell Mill Rd. heading east toward Walton High School, and other parts of north east Cobb County.

Drivers traveling east on Sewell Mill Rd. are expected to leave a gap (Appalachiaspeak) between themselves and the car in front of them. Drivers wanting to ingress into the eastbound traffic, are expected to fill the gap that is courteously left for them. Like most traffic rules, this common sense solution for a narrow road will work well when drivers give gap, and when those who receive the gap, take the gap. The giver and the taker must do their part so that traffic will continue to run smoothly.

Isn`t it wonderful when we see such acts of kindness when we are coming out of a driveway or parking lot onto a busy street, and there is a constant line of traffic, then we look up and see a driver flash the lights or wave for us to enter in front of them. They didn`t have to be told, they just wanted to do the right thing. But - if we just sat there and didn`t accept this offer, we would cause the courteous driver a problem, and people behind him would start blowing their horns or waving some hand signals.

Jesus Christ gave the world a great lesson on giving: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38 NIV) This is an axiom that we have most likely seen proven in our lives. The more we give, the more we receive. A person who is on the receiving end of a nice gesture in a traffic situation, will likely pass along that same kindness to some other driver. Jesus is not teaching that we should give in order to receive a reward, but just stating the fact that when we give generously, we will receive generosity.

The apostle Paul lived and worked in ancient Ephesus, Greece. He did manual work to support himself and also provided help to those who could not help themselves. "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.` " (Acts 20:35 NIV)

Just think how much better our community of Cedar Key will be when each citizen practices the grace of giving "gap" in every situation. Whether on the boat, or in a car, or in a negotiation involving a few dollars, or thousands of dollars, or negotiating a personal relationship. Our town will become a model of courtesy and the response will be one of great gratitude and even more kindness. This will spread like wildfire to the rest of our county, the state, country and the world.

God is all about giving. He has always taught His people to be givers. When instructing about releasing indentured servants, "Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you." (Deuteronomy 15:14 NIV) Just apply that to a situation when perhaps you have an opportunity to see one of your most valuable workers, ask for a release from your employment so they can pursue their own dreams. Let them go with joy, and give them a bonus for all they have done for you! "What goes around comes around."

We must also learn to take what has been given to us so that we will not waste the opportunity to use God`s blessings. Long ago when Israel was coming into the land God was giving them, they were told: "See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers -- to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- and to their descendants after them." (Deuteronomy 1:8 NIV) It was not an easy task to take possession of this land. There were people living there who were practicing pagan religions that violated God`s commandments. In order for the Israelites to take possession of their gift, they first had to drive out these people. Receiving a gift requires that we be alert, and jump at the opportunity before it slips away. "Take gap!"

When we do not respond to the wonderful gift of God`s love - the gift of His one and only Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our salvation, we are showing a lack of faith in what God is doing to save us. We must receive Christ by believing in Him. (John 1:12) It is possible for us to reject Christ by our unbelief. (John 3:36) God has given you this wonderful gift of eternal life, it is up to us to either accept or reject this incredible gift.

If you have never accepted by faith that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, Son of God, then take a step of faith today. You will always find a warm and friendly welcome at the Cedar Key Church of Christ. We are dedicated to letting God`s word be the last word. Write any questions or comments to me at PO Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625, or E-mail: dgbinkley@aol.com. Ask to be included in our daily E-mail: WORD OF THE DAY scripture devotional.