Theresa and I have been known to take roads we have never ridden on before. It is a pioneering side of us, and it has led to many exciting rides, great places to eat, and meeting people we never would have met. But on every road, there is a point that we question are we going in the right direction, and often times continue on looking for any source of direction. Like a mountain, the ocean, even a sign that announces a town is helpful. But what happens when you never heard of the town, or the sign is twisted at an intersection-and you aren't sure which way you are going? Do you turn back, or soldier on-hoping the next turn gives you a pleasant surprise instead of disaster.
Two weeks ago we rode W. Cielo Road above Santa Barbara for the first time. I'd read about it, but it seems we were always on the way to somewhere, so bypassed it. This time we took it, and the views were beautiful. Slow curves, but lots of cars, when the pavement ends is a shooting range. Before deciding whether we should try the gravel road, I went down and around the corner. Now the T bird is a great cruiser, but an off road bike it ain't. And after a few hundred yards the road deteriorated into huge gouges, erosion left by the recent rain. With no place to turn around. I knew I had to, and went a little further, finding space where I could turn-believe prayer works if you had seen where I was. But it was back to Theresa, and we rode back to the highway-all four miles of it-why do things seem farther away when you don't know where you are going, but so near when you do?
Things happen in our life, where we are sorry we went in that direction, but saying we are sorry just cures a bad feeling. Jesus preached repentance, turn from the wrong way, and follow Him-the right way. Good advice but do we take it? When confronted with harmful actions of others, do we try to make ourselves feel better, or repent? We know in our heart, but sometimes we don't want to hurt someone else's feelings. So we let the sin continue, and by allowing it, condone it. When we should have dealt with it sooner.
A little leaven-sin, goes through the whole loaf. One bad decision on the road you are on can spell disaster. It is taking that right action, that decisive action, that shows repentance. Keeping your eyes on the target gives you a better chance of hitting it.
Two men on the same day encountered this with Jesus. Judas felt bad after selling out our Lord and hung himself. But Peter after he denied Jesus repented, did the right thing and followed Him. Today you will be faced with decisions. Will you do the right thing, even if means changing direction, or the wrong thing-not wanting to hurt any feelings? If you are on the wrong road, turn around-repent. And if the crowd continues on-go alone. It isn't a group relationship with God, it is personal. And God loves you so much He will protect you from others who make bad decisions. But you must obey Him.
A life with Jesus is anything but boring. But exciting doesn't mean blessed, but blessed can be exciting. Seek something more than an emotional relationship-Jesus is so much more than that. Pull some from the fire, as the Bible says. Take a stand, and realize who you follow is who you will worship!
Right road, but the wrong bike. But back on the highway, we were safe and blessed. Know your equipment, get personal with it. But get to know Jesus even more. Avoid the leaven others condone, and even if it means a detour, follow Christ and you will be on the right road. Repent-for the kingdom of God is near. And will never be closer than right where you are!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com