By Phillip Hines  

While driving, I like to amuse myself with other people’s bumper stickers and vanity license plates. Have you noticed lots of people have turned their cars into social, political or religious statements? 

It is common to read such bumper stickers as “America – Love It or Leave It” or “This Truck is Insured by Smith and Wesson.”   

If I allowed bumper stickers on my car, I would have the one that says, “Be Nice to Your Kids. They’ll Choose Your Nursing Home.” 

In the past decade signs in car windows have become popular, too. For example, there is the yellow “Baby on Board” sign seen in back windows. I like the sign that says, “Mother-in-law In Trunk.” 

Others use license plates to advertise. There is the dentist with “2th DR” on his license plate. Then there’s the orthopedic surgeon with “JOINT MD,” the psychiatrist with “SHRINK,” the anesthesiologist with “SEDATE” and the general practitioner with “SAY AHH” on their respective plates. 

No matter what our license plates or bumper stickers say, we need to remember we advertise every day. The way we drive, talk and live says a lot more than our printed slogans. Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”    

Think about it!