 |
|
An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
|
A
"Right" Standard In
the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, I have observed an
interesting phenomenon in Mobile, AL, where I live.
The phenomenon centers on the proper compliance
in following traffic signals. Due to Hurricane Ivan, power outages have occurred in many
places in Mobile causing traffic signals to stop
working. I believe it is understood by most motorists in our area that
a dark traffic signal should be considered to be an
all-way STOP controlled intersection and a driver MUST
stop before entering the intersection. But what if a traffic signal at a particular intersection that normally displays the familiar colors of red (meaning “stop”), yellow (meaning “clear the intersection”), and green (meaning “go”) is now flashing red lights for the north-south flow of traffic and flashing yellow lights for the east-west traffic? What are motorists to do? What does the law state? I believe most motorists in our area know that a flashing red light indicates that one must stop at the intersection before proceeding. A flashing red light has the same use as a stop sign. But what about those drivers facing a flashing yellow light? What are they to do? Should they assume they have the right-of-way and proceed through the intersection without stopping? Or, should they stop at the flashing yellow light, assuming that the intersection has become an all-way stop controlled intersection? I know that you understand that it is vitally important for ALL motorists to understand the proper procedure. Much harm – even loss of life – could result without a proper understanding of protocol. According to the Code of Alabama, Title 32, Section 32-51-34, concerning “flashing yellow signals,” the law states: “When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past such signal only with caution.” Even
though this is what the law states, this writer has
witnessed numerous occasions where some motorists have
understood that even signals flashing yellow lights
are interpreted as all-way stop intersections, thereby
giving the false impression to motorists approaching
on the flashing red side that it is indeed a four way
stop and that they are clear to proceed in their turn.
Thus the recipe for disaster! What’s
the point? There
is a definite need for a standard that can be understood
by everyone. This
need is evident not only in
understanding Is there such a standard? The answer is, "YES!" The standard that pertains to all of life is not some state or national code book. Rather, it is the Word of God! God’s “divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, {17} that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Through the Scriptures, God reveals to us what is right. God also teaches us in His Word that it isn't enough just to be right in rules of conduct -- One must also be right with God! You and I can be made "right" with God --ONLY-- through Jesus Christ, His Son. Our SIN separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). But, Jesus died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 2:24), that we might be reconciled – “made right” – with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). We access that right relationship by placing our trust in God (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of our sins (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), being baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), and living for Him for the rest of our lives (1 John 1:7). Are YOU right with God? God bless you!
David A. Sargent,
Minister To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
HTML version: subscribe-livingwater@lyris.dundee.net Follow this link to locate the church of Christ nearest you: www.churchsearch.org Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
|