No Brake Pumping

“For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.” - Romans 13:3 NLT

I once had a friend who had an odd habit whenever he drove past a police car. He would instinctively pump his brakes, even though he wasn’t speeding or breaking any laws. It wasn’t that he was doing something wrong, it was just that he was so afraid of getting into trouble, even when there was no reason for fear. He never had a ticket, but the fear of it was always in the back of his mind.

Sadly, I think many of us live our lives in a similar way. We often approach life with the same mindset, constantly looking over our shoulder for something we might have done wrong, fearful of punishment even when we’re doing our best. We live more from a place of fear and guilt than from a place of freedom and grace.

Romans 13:3 reminds us that when we live according to what’s right, we have nothing to fear. It’s not about being perfect or always getting everything right; it’s about being aligned with God’s heart, which is all about grace and righteousness. Jesus fulfilled the law for us, and because of that, we are free. Romans 8:2 says that the law of the Spirit of life has set us free in Christ Jesus.

This freedom isn’t a license to live recklessly or sinfully, but rather it’s an invitation to live in the peace and joy of knowing we’re forgiven. It means we can take our hands off the brakes and stop worrying about every little mistake. We can live from a place of right believing, which leads to right living.

So today, take a deep breath. Stop pumping the brakes. Live in the freedom that Jesus has already secured for you.

Reflection Question: Are there any areas of your life where fear or guilt are causing you to hold back from fully enjoying the freedom Jesus has given you?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the freedom I have in You. Help me to live fully in the grace You’ve given me, without fear of failure or punishment. Teach me to trust Your love and walk confidently in the righteousness You’ve provided. In Jesus name, amen.