Is speeding a sin?

Answer

Paul is very clear when he tells us, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2 NIV). Despite our attempts to manipulate the Scriptures, as Christians, we have a God-directed responsibility to obey the laws that our government has established (unless the laws contradict God’s Word). We also need to consider the example we set for those who are aware of our Christian faith and whom we are trying to reach with the gospel of Christ. How often have we observed someone speeding past us, only to notice the fish or another Christian symbol on their bumper? This certainly conveys the wrong message.

It is interesting how we attempt to rationalize our actions, even when we know they do not align with God’s will or established laws. Regarding exceeding the posted speed limit, we often convince ourselves that it is not nearly as serious as the so-called “greater” sins such as lying, adultery, or murder. However, Solomon, the wisest man to have ever lived, expressed it this way: “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding” « It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: But a man of understanding hath wisdom. », (Proverbs 10:23 ESV).

While some may disregard breaking the law, we can be certain that someWill be quick to point out our hypocrisy. As followers of Christ, we need to carefully consider our manner of life in all things before the Lord, and this includes our driving habits. It was the prophets of old who declared, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20-21). Malachi goes on to tell us God’s weariness with Israel when they, oblivious to their sin, said to Him, “All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them” «Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?», (Malachi 2:17). May we not follow the example of the ancients who wearied God with their lame excuses and justifications for their evil deeds.

Yes, speeding is a sin (as we’ve learned from Romans 13:1-2). Again, we must always consider our manner of living not only before the eyes of the Lord, but also before the eyes of our fellow man. The reason we don’t break the law by speeding is that we love God and respect His authority. It was Peter who commanded, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:13-15).