Recently I was looking through some photos of a group ride my wife and I participated in to the OuterBanks a few weeks back.
One photo struck me. We were stopped at a light, at the very beginning of the ride. Beautiful day, all excited to head out for three days of riding and fellowship.
What stood out to me was the different bikes. A Triumph, Kawasaki Ninja, couple of Harleys, and a Trike! The photo was taken by the wife or our leader, as she sat on a Honda.
All of us different, all our bikes unique. But all united in one purpose, heading in the same direction, taking the same journey.
I thought of that photo as I read Ephesians today.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV)
That trike was steady and comfortable, but it can't take the twisties as well as that Triumph Bonny. The two HD Sportsters are great bikes for one passenger, they are quick and dependable, but the Honda and HD baggers were far better suited for the passengers and longer trips. For speed, there was nothing in that group that could touch that Ninja.
Each bike was different, but had its own strengths and weaknesses. Just like the body of Christ, let's read on in Ephesians.
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
There is a very old saying, "United we stand, divided we fall". Unity is essential to victory. And today, more than ever we need to focus on what unites us, not on what divides us.
"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Eph 4:14-16 (NIV)
May our actions and words today bring unity, not division. Time is short and we have work to do.
Gather, grow and go.
Preacher Mike Beasley
Freedom Biker Church
919-550-FREE
