We visited Scotland for the autumn half-term in 2011. It was very beautiful there and I would love to return one day. We visited a castle and went up a mountain. We stayed in a fantastic resort and built many fond memories while we were there for the week. One thing I regret about that trip: 3 point on my driving license! Unfortunately, I was caught speeding. I was not aware of the change in the speed limit in a stretch of road and the camera saw me. I was ashamed, still am, and thought it so unfair because I did not know, or did not notice the sign, which I am sure, was placed somewhere to let motorists know the speed changed. Still my ignorance cost me 3 points on my license!

I was embarrassed but also I felt I was not being given any chance to explain myself, after all, I did not know the speed limit had changed in that part of the road. I did not see the sign! How dare they send me a letter and fine me, AND give me 3 points on my license!

I am afraid, when it comes to the law, ignorance is not a good defence. I did not know, or did not notice the change, but it was my job to do so. I should have been more careful. So, I had to swallow my pride, pay the fine and get the points, which will disappear from my license in due course.

This made me think about our Christian lives. If we don’t know the “laws” given by our God about how we should live our lives, we, will suffer the consequences of our mistakes. The Bible tells us in Matthew 22:29

“Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”

If we don’t know the Scriptures and what it teaches, and if we do not practice it, we will certainly have problems in our lives. Problems in our marriages, problems with bring up our children, problems with our boss, problems with our relationships, problems with our finances. We would have problems in all areas of our lives. The Bible teaches us about all areas of our lives. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read:

” All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”  (New Living Translation)

That is why it is important that we try to be at church on Sundays, so we can  hear the Bible explained and we can learn what God teaches us about life. It is also important we try to attend our house group meetings, or youth group, or the weekend away the church has organized. As a matter of fact, any other activity where we have the opportunity to learn from the Bible. You see, when we choose to do other things instead of getting to know the Bible better we can’t use the excuse we didn’t know when something goes wrong in our lives. Ignorance is also a sin.

With my driving license points episode, I will be cleared of the consequences of my mistake soon, but when something goes terribly wrong in our lives because we did not know the Scriptures, the consequences will live with us for the rest of our lives. May God grant us the desire to learn more about His ways and His decrees so we can put it into practice in our lives.

“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:33-34”