REJECTING
THE HELMET

Topics: Accepting Christ; Choices; Decisions; Judgment; Neglect; Salvation

Reference: John 1:12

On Sunday, February 18, 2001, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt, known as “The Intimidator,” was in third place on the last lap of the Daytona 500 when his car was hit from behind and sent into the wall at 180 miles per hour. An autopsy revealed Earnhardt died of blunt trauma to the head.

Some have suggested that if Earnhardt had been wearing the HANS (Head and Neck Safety Device) he would have survived the crash. Although this device was available, Earnhardt, like many other drivers that day, chose not to use it. That neglect may have cost him his life.

The Bible tells us that every individual is on a collision course with God’s judgment. God has provided a safety device designed to keep people from suffering eternal death and separation from him. But like Dale Earnhardt and the other drivers in the race that day, each of us must decide whether to accept or neglect this offer.

—Michael Owenby, Carrollton, Georgia