Dear Rose Park,
There’s something beautiful about riding a bicycle. I can remember learning how to ride a two-wheel bike at Lakeview Park on the south side of town with the help of my two brothers. I can remember the liberating feeling that came with the skill knowing that I had the ability to go wherever I wanted (within in reason). I can remember the joy of riding around the neighborhood with childhood friends. At the same time, within the beauty of riding a bicycle there’s also an inherit danger.
According to the CDC, nearly 1,000 cyclists die every year because of bike accidents and over 130,000 are injured. If you’ve ever ridden a bike, then you know, so many things can go wrong. You could get your pant leg caught in the chain, get a flat tire, or run off the road by a distracted driver. Despite these facts, we still enjoy riding bicycles and willingly venture out on the sidewalks and road to continue this beloved pastime. This tension between danger and joy is not inherently unique to bicycles, but it does remind me of the tension inherently present in the Christian life.
It’s dangerous to follow Christ. It is not the safest option because aligning your life to the life of Jesus will require sacrifice and even death. Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” This sentiment is echoed by Jesus’ followers; the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5: 17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” All to say, we’re never guaranteed safety in following Jesus.
Though there is sacrifice and death and danger, there is also great joy. We find the fruits of the Spirit pouring out of us and blessing others in this tension. We find freedom from sin and shame in this tension. We find our hearts growing with love and our minds growing in wisdom in this tension. Riding your bike can be dangerous, but it’s a joyful process. In the same way, following Jesus will require some danger and discomfort, but it’s worth every second.
It’s our hope at Rose Park to follow Jesus with our full selves in the midst of this danger and discomfort so that we might grow in our righteousness, serve the Kingdom while serving our community, and be drawn closer to each other as we’re drawn closer to Him.
Grace & Peace,
