STAY IN YOUR LANE

Frank Keeler
Oct 31
3 min read

The Soul Anchor [Hebrews 6:19] - November 1, 2025

The City of Vista recently created a firestorm of attention when it installed new berms, barriers and paint to create a safe lane for bicycles, scooters and ebikes to peacefully coexist with cars. While the purpose of the new lanes was to promote safety, critics pointed out that the berms and barriers could actually become hazards if a rider had to get out of the way of something coming at them in the lane They would also make it hard for a driver to pull over if an emergency vehicle came up behind them in the lane. After much discussion, it was decided by the powers that be to remove some of the new bike lanes but proceed to create additional bike lands with berms and barriers in other places including on Melrose near our church building.

As a fairly regular bicycle rider in this area, I love the Oceanside Bike Trail and avoid streets and highways as much as possible because I like being separated from cars because they are bigger, faster, and heavier than I am. Still, I don’t like the new berms and barriers method because it narrows my options and freedom to avoid something unwanted and/or hazardous in my lane which I can’t do when hemmed in by berms and curbs. I’m glad that God has a lane for me to stay in as expressed by the author of Hebrews: Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Emphasis mine), Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

God has marked out a race for us. I’m glad that God gives us freedom and means to finish our race without being hemmed in. God gives us what we need and lets us run. We get off track sometimes, but we also have directions on how to run: Phil 3:13-14 NIV

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us”

So, the Christian life is a heavenly race rewarded with a heavenly prize! And what is the prize? It is when we hear the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

The best way to stay in your lane is to keep first things first. As Jesus said in in Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I hope that when I get to the end of my time here on earth that like Paul I can say