Bike Wrecks!

September 9, 2021

Bike Wrecks!

It was a terrible bike wreck. 

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with a young guy in which I learned that when his foot came off the pedal of his bike everything quickly came crashing down.  Bike pedals, pavement, and speed are not a good combination when gravity gets involved.

My young friend broke his leg in three places as well as damaged some of the muscle around the knee.  He has had surgery, is on crutches for a while, and will have six months of physical therapy.  A terrible bike wreck happened when his foot slipped off of the pedal.

Life can change in an instant; one hesitation or one word or one slip can change everything.  Life-change is often initiated by a rather small thing; one choice!

To whom will I listen?  It is a small choice that can lead to a big wreck or a big blessing from God. 

How long will I think before I speak?  It is a small choice that can lead to a big wreck or a big blessing from God.

How will I express the anger in my heart?  It is a small choice that can lead to a big wreck or a big blessing from God.

In James 1:19 we hear; “You must understand this, my beloved:  let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger…” 

Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger are small choices that help us live a life of holiness.  In a like manner, quick to pray, slow to criticize, and slow to worry are small choices that help us live in healthy relationships with other people.

When I was a young boy, I had some pretty terrible bike wrecks.  Since then, I have had some pretty terrible relationship wrecks.  Both have something in common; just one small choice leads to a lot of pain.

A young and successful businessman asks Jesus how to experience real life.  Jesus gives the young man a simple (not easy!) answer.  In that moment, the young man can choose the same life he has always lived or he can choose the real life Jesus offers.  The first is about loving self.  The second is about loving Jesus and loving other people. 

For that wildly successful young businessman, it all comes down to one choice.  He makes his choice.  And then, he walks away from Jesus with tears running down his cheeks.  No overflowing joy.  No deep peace.  No amazing love.  One choice leads a young businessman into a terrible wreck.

She was a successful businesswoman who owned an international business.  She prays and studies Scripture and meets in a small group with other women.  The Apostle Paul presents the Gospel of Jesus Christ to her.  She makes her choice.  And then, she walks with Jesus with tears of joy overflowing in her heart.  Overflowing joy.  Deep peace.  Amazing love.  One choice leads a businesswoman into a life of holiness.

One small choice can lead to a terrible wreck in life or to an incredible blessing in life.  When we choose to trust and obey Jesus with all of our heart, mind, and soul our heart is filled with delight for the generous love of God.

What small, God-honoring choice will you make today?

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug