I was eight years old when I learned about jaywalking. Even before I knew what it was, the name made me curious. Was it walking in the formation of the letter J? Was it walking someone’s dog named Jay? My third grade mind thought of many things, until I was given the proper explanation.

Apparently, there were numerous injuries and fatalities due to people crossing the street where drivers were not expected to stop. To prevent these tragedies, a law was enacted to prevent people from crossing the street anywhere else but at the traffic light.

“We can proceed towards the point where our life intersects with God’s word or we can dart right past his warnings into the danger of oncoming consequences.”

Back then, I walked five blocks to school and two major intersections were on my route. My parents gave me the jaywalking talk because they wanted to protect me from the danger of traffic and empower me to know the safest way to get to and from school.

While walking home one day, I saw a boy cross the street from the middle of the block. He wove through traffic with panic and precision. I recall thinking, “He’s done this before.”

I was certain the SWAT Team would appear, cuff him and call his parents. They never did. I now know my reaction to his jaywalk was pretty dramatic. But I also know that my childhood musings over the law can teach me a lot in the present.

From a spiritual perspective we can jaywalk too. We can proceed towards the point where our life intersects with God’s word or we can dart right past his warnings into the danger of oncoming consequences. I want to take the wisest route to my next destinations in life, but sometimes the jaywalking short-cut seems like a good idea.

When I’m baffled by God’s timing or circumstances test me, it’s tempting to take quick and risky routes to get to my “next.” But convenience is not all that matters when we are talking about soul matters. So even when I start my stride across to disobedience, it’s never too late to turn and say, “I’m sorry. I’ll go to the corner and cross at the light.”

If you’ve had a jaywalking moment recently, here’s some good news. The corner is right here and now. The light is Jesus Christ — the Light of the world. As we place our faith in Him, every jaywalking moment is forgiven and His will becomes the safest place we seek. That puts real joy in my soul.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12 NLT