Why I bring up motorcycles…
May 17th, 2010 by ljkim
I don’t do this with everybody, but sometimes I try to talk guys into learning to ride bikes… There are a few reasons, and if you’ve known me for a while you could probably guess the first two. So if you’re curious why I bring it up with (either you or with other people, mainly guys) then read on! The first reason is, lots of people get a little uncomfortable around pastor types (find it a little harder to be themselves), so I don’t usually bring up spiritual topics (I let the other person do that)…and I don’t talk sports, and riding motorcycles is something that a lot of guys are somewhat interested in.
The second reason is more personal. If I talk to you about bikes it probably means I like you and if you did learn to ride it would be something we could do together. My first Christian mentor when I was in college, in between his appearances on CNN and lecturing at Columbia would come hang out with me and help me fix my car (he mostly did the fixing, I um supervised). I think a lot of the best times talking about God happen while doing something else.
Now lots of people don’t have any interest in mechanical things like cars and bikes, so if that’s you then I’d rather talk to you about movies or books. I have a pretty deep layman’s interest in things like intellectual property law, politics, management/leadership, marketing, neuroscience, evolution, computers, design, jazz…and so I love talking about anything where our interests overlap – or learn from you about an interest you’re passionate about. But…for people who have that motorcycle shaped gene, who think it would be fun, cool, or otherwise desirable - the third reason has to do with the answer to the question, “So why don’t you learn to ride?”
Fear. You’d say it differently, “it’s too dangerous” – but it’s really the same thing as “i’m afraid something bad will happen to me.” I’ve even had people hint to me: ‘you just wait till something bad happens to you, then we’ll see who’s laughing.’
I believe, for God followers, fear is never a reason not-to do something: If your life is in your hands and your destiny is solely up to you, then yes, fear is the basis of your survival. But if you are in God’s hands, then fear is just a symptom of unbelief. “Fear not” is the most often cited and least observed commands in all the Bible! I’m not saying this is a reason you SHOULD ride a motorcycle – I’m saying IF you had that I-want-to-ride “gene” in you, THEN fear should not be the reason to stop you. Let your fear make you cautious, let your fear spur you to master skills and learn thoroughly – but do not let fear ever stop you from anything. Because…if fear holds you back from this, what else is fear holding you back from doing? I actually believe Jesus want you to live a life free of (this kind of) fear.
Anyway, riding a motorcycle is NOT for everyone…but the FEAR-less life is… But if you do wind up learning to ride a motorcycle – then get trained (take beginners and advanced courses), wear your gear (helmet, gloves, armored jacket and pants), and give me a call 
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i wish it was that simple. You can say in god hand’s we can try to live a fearless life.. for me as much as we try to live the way jesus wanted us to be..im afraid of god’s wrath.. the various examples in the bible, Noah’s ark, (i forgot the name of the city) that was turned to salt..more importantly the book of revelations which put it more in perspective..what he is planning to do in those days…where we will be.. can’t say i can live without fear…i hope im one of those saved…but i have alot to answer for…
Well yes, if God is out to get you then I think you are in trouble… and just being careful won’t keep you safe.
I think it’s best to get right with God. Blind hope is no hope at all, it’s best to think these things through until you’re sure.