There is a unique fascination with high-speed car chases. When a reckless driver leads police on a dangerous pursuit through busy traffic, we are often glued to the screen, wondering who is behind the wheel. A few years ago, a story about a chaotic chase in California ended with a surprising discovery. After the car weaved through traffic, ran lights, and finally came to a stop, officers approached the vehicle. Instead of a hardened criminal, they found a nine-year-old boy who simply said, “Sorry officer. I was just trying to get to school.” While his goal was admirable, it shows that bad things can happen when the wrong person is driving the car.

This story makes us think about what can happen when the wrong part of us is behind the steering wheel of our lives. Sometimes, our reactions are driven by rage, bitterness, fear, or shame. These toxic emotions can lead us to say or do things that hurt others, create problems for ourselves, and damage our relationships. In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul gives us guidance on who or what ought to be in the driver’s seat. He tells us that if we want to live a life of joy and peace, we must learn to walk according to the Spirit, not the flesh.