Who’s in Charge?

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines a “backseat driver” as a passenger in a vehicle who is not controlling it, but who excessively comments on the driver's actions and decisions in an attempt to control the vehicle.

A backseat driver may be uncomfortable with the skills of the driver, feel out of control since they are not driving the vehicle, or want to tutor the driver while they are at the wheel. Many comment on the speed of the vehicle, or give alternative directions.

The above description perfectly describes my wife and me together in our Outlander.  All is smooth in our marriage (during drive time) if Bobbi is the chosen driver.

If I drive, I hear irritated questions similar to those below until I tell my lovely bride to stop (which she refuses to do if she feels unsafe.) The experience can often conclude in a humungous fight at home. I may pull over (somewhere), and let her take control of the wheel.

1.  “Why didn’t you stop completely at that stop sign?”

2.  “You better slow down, or you are going to get a ticket.” (Her foot is on the pretend useless break on the passenger’s side.)

3.  “The car is swerving to the center of the road.”

4.  “Turn the head lights on.”

5.  “You are a worse driver than Allena (our daughter).”

6.  “We need to clean this car. It’s filthy.” (Bobbi survey’s the interior.)

In my wife’s defense, she is completely deaf in her left ear. As the driver, she can have her hearing (right) ear available to those in the car (or radio music).  What seems like wanting to have major driving control may actually be a means of survival (and adapting) for her.

Moving from the earthly realm to the divine, who is at the driver’s seat of the automobile (that is your life)? The chorus (edited version) of TobyMac’s “Backseat Driver” makes this confession.

I don't wanna be no backseat driver.

I don't wanna navigate.

You take it over.

I don't wanna ever doubt You.

I'm lost without You, Lord
I don't wanna be no backseat driver.
You got the wheel.

Take me where You wanna go.
My heart is Your's.

No matter where we roll.
 

Though Carrie Underwood’s anthem “Jesus Take the Wheel” conveys a complimentary theme to “Backseat Driver”, it does drives home the reality of what a relationship to Jesus needs to be.

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

God wants your heart to be available (and workable) to His will. As always, He will not force you to do  it. The choice is yours alone. In fact, Hebrews 4:7 (NLT) gives a polite request from the Almighty. “Today when you hear [My] voice, don’t harden your hearts.”