Hitchhiking was safer in the seventies. Andy used a cardboard sign that stated his destination such as, “Yellowstone,” or “College student going home.” That one always worked. 

Once, he took the wrong ride in Montana. Her's was the only car he’d seen in an hour. After stuffing his backpack into the backseat, and barely fitting in himself, she sped off. Instantly, he knew it was a mistake. She said, “I’m going to Kansas to kidnap my son from my ex.” She said that God had given Andy to her to help in the kidnapping, just like her leader had foretold. “Here’s the plan…” she continued. Andy wasn’t listening. They were going a hundred, and she wasn’t looking at the road. It was then that she mentioned the name of her cult. Andy decided the next exit was his. At the next exit, she slowed down, but then, literally, drove in circles on the empty highway, saying she wasn’t sure which way to go, or if she should let him out. Around and around they went until he demanded she stop. She did. He escaped.

When starting out on our faith journeys we sometimes hop into the first ride that comes along. Just be careful out there. You don’t want to be taken for a crazy trip by a self-proclaimed messenger of God, or one of his gullible lackeys.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, help us be wary of spiritual predators and charlatans who pretend to know what’s best for us, but are in it for power or for themselves.  Amen.

Here’s a Thought: Beware of false prophets.

Source: Matthew 7: 15-20; 24:11