The Meme "Stay in Your Lane" Is not Absolute

Jerel Shaw

     There are a lot of memes that people use in conversations that I would call a 'shortcut' to avoid relevant issues.  I like and don't like the meme stay in your lane.

     Let's start with the likes.  I like it because there really are times when people should stay in their lane versus getting into other people' business that often starts and confusion and can be the cause of negative consequences.  You know the story about the 'nagging mother-in-law" who is always butting into the marital affairs of her sons or daughters? This is a a unnecessary nuisance and a behavior not becoming of an adult.  So here, her married children should tell her to buzz-off (another meme), or get lost.

     What about that roommate that you have that is always advising you on who you should date; or telling you who is best for you?  Or, maybe someone telling you that your living standards need an upgrade - you need a better apartment; live in a better community; be around better people; get a better job, etc.?  Surely, everyone has been in a situation where others try to impose their will and desires on others just for the sake of doing it?  Once again, these type of people should stay in their lane.

     Yet, staying in one's lane is not always the best thing to do especially for those who genuinely care about others, and desire to give them unconditional support if the need arises.  What about the drug addict who is in denial,  He/she is always asking for money.  You know what they'll going to use it for, but you give it to them with a false hope that they would do the right thing.  The irony here is that you should definitely be staying in your lane versus falling for the game.  Because you inappropriately crossed into that lane of the  addict, you instead became an enabler and a victim at the same time. You possibly should have considered sending them down the right lane of recovery.

     So, here we have several variations of staying in one's lane; sometimes it's the right thing to do, but it can also be the wrong thing to do.  One story that I can share is about one who chose 'not' to stay in  a lane.  Sure, you've heard of Jesus?  Of course, He paid a price, but that price was well worth it based on the fact that God so loveth the world that He gave His only begotten Son.  That Son on earth was God in the embodiment of man.  He got into a lot of faces.

The Need for One Not Stay in One's Lane

      The world needs fixing and the only way progress can continue is to get in others' lanes.  For instances, getting into Trump's lane is a no-brainer.  And getting to the lanes of those who are helping to destroy the world is a no brainer.  To use the argument that one should mind their own business when the trust of the public is being violated is a cop-out.  If you don't have the stomach for it, fine - stay in your own lane.

    Yet, all great people who contributed to putting the welfare of the world on a positive trajectory got in the lane of others.  The work Jesus on earth is the greatest example, even as he suffered at the hands of those who were predisposed to cause destruction of both: ones life on earth; and one soul.and the soul.

    Yes, there will always be wars, criminal acts, cheating, stealing, killing and all of the above.  But, none of these can never be solved without arresting the actions of those who are responsible. Ultimately, of course, God will put an end to it all, but this same God has commanded that we put on His armor, and go to war - go into vineyard, into the lanes of others who are causing hell on earth.  In all practicality though, many are called, but few are chosen.  If you are truly called, boldly go forth.