STAY IN YOUR LANE…OR NAH?!

In recent years, “Stay in your lane” has become a statement which has nothing to do with driving on a highway, and everything to do with respecting the order of life and relationships. The meaning of the saying is — to mind one’s own business; to keep moving straight ahead without veering into others’ personal affairs. i.e. “I know what’s best for my child and don’t need your advice about it so just stay in your lane!” Over time, the meaning of this saying has begun to evolve into what I consider an avenue of territory that needs to be addressed.

     From a standpoint of things being done in decency and in order within the church, I completely understand how staying in your lane, is looked upon in a positive light. I mean, really…who wants chaos and confusion running amuk in the church, or any fellowship, organization, or business. There shouldn’t be too many cooks in the kitchen at once. In Acts 6, the disciples chose seven men to delegate meals and tend to neglected widows, so that they could stay focused on their call to pray, preach the Gospel, and fulfill the great commission. Had they not chosen others for that task and instead, chosen to do it themselves, it could’ve had dire consequences to the path that Jesus had them on.

     Now, what about staying in our lane regarding our purpose/what God is speaking to our lives? I wish I felt comfortable posting photos of screen shots of different people’s IG, Twitter, & Facebook pages…where daily there are countless people preaching and endorsing the Stay In Your Lane In Life message. Y’all know you’ve seen it too.

That person who’s been married less than five years, who is now a self-proclaimed marriage expert…telling you that you’re not married yet because you haven’t stayed in your lane within your singleness.

That person who’s doing well on their job, who is now telling you that you’re not making the kind of money you want because you didn’t stay in your lane on your job.

That person who says, “Here is what I did to succeed in this area and here is the blueprint” but in the next breath says, “People really need to stay in their lane. My journey is not meant to be duplicated.”

That person who advises a music Producer to stay in their lane and continue making beats, when he/she expresses a desire to become a singer/rapper or explore a completely unrelated field.

The examples could go on. Yeah, I’m sure we all have a God-given assignment in this life. Just being real, I don’t believe it’s always what we even think it is or what we’d like it to be. I firmly believe there are a lot of people who are doing it big…living in their so-called purpose, who are going to later discover, those were only paths to the true assignment, which they would’ve gotten to regardless because that destination is God’s will to begin with. Things that make you go hmmm. lol.

     Subsequently, I have a question. Is it possible that not every believer knows his/her “purpose” yet? Just because you claim to hear God’s audible voice in your ear, doesn’t mean we all do…some of us actually have the manifestation of His Word in our hearts and make decisions accordingly. Call me cynical, but I think we have become a culture of super-spiritual, non-effective Christians, who have become purpose-obsessed instead of God-driven. Sorry lane-maker, but my God isn’t stuck in your box. My life…my existence is far too fabulous not to jump out there sometimes; just to see if there is any value my light can add to these shadows and dark places. My apologies in advance if doing so takes me into your imaginary lane.

     I’m so thankful for all the times I didn’t stay in my lane. Sure, there are times where it probably would’ve suited me best to do so, but even in those scenarios, I’m sure that it was still for my good. The bottom line is that we need to focus on Christ and His Word. We need to dwell there and He will lead and guide our path. Sometimes there are signs on the road that tell us what’s up ahead. Those signs are God’s way of telling you to either stay in that lane or take a detour. Pay attention to Him and no one else because regardless of what lane we travel, steer clear of, share, create, or blaze, I am positive that what God has for me is for me. No matter who jumps in my lane, can never change that.

See y’all next week.

Agape!

*Wednesdays with Indigo*