I sold my motorcycle a couple of years ago and have somewhat regretted that decision ever since. There is nothing quite like the thrill of the road on two wheels, twisting the throttle, leaning in the curves, and feeling the rush of horsepower.
Several days ago, my sister Candy invited me to take her place in a Bible Run. She had unfortunately broken her foot recently and would be unable to ride her motorcycle for awhile. So, she asked if I would like to ride in the event. I jumped at the opportunity to ride again.
The Bible Run was a group ride, organized by a local church. There were a number of riders representing several Christian biker groups. Candy and her husband Danny lead the Driven By Grace Biker Ministry and I was excited for the chance to ride with them.
We met early Saturday morning. We prayed together, then I had an adrenaline rush as the roar of motorcycle engines filled the air. I was back in my element and I was loving it.
I had never ridden with a group this large. So, I had to learn the ropes as we went along.
One thing I quickly noticed was that, every so often, a rider in front of the pack would give a hand gesture or stick out his foot or both feet. The rider behind him would then copy the signal to the person next in line and so forth, until everybody in the line saw the hand or foot motion.
I was somewhat confused at first, wondering if this was some secret ritual of Christian biker gangs. What were they conveying to one another that they didn’t want outsiders to know? Were they making fun at the newbie or mocking a passing moped rider?
It was then that I began to notice a pattern and put two and two together. I recognized that each time they stuck out a right leg, I would very soon after approach a pot hole to my right. A left leg extended meant a similar hazard was just ahead on the left. Both feet held out together meant the road was covered with dirt, gravel, or some other substance that could make the road less hospitable. A pointing gesture forward signaled a stopped vehicle in the road, such as a newspaper or mail carrier. Of course, there were also the universal hand signals for upcoming left and right hand turns.
This plethora of signals was simply a way of warning fellow bikers of the dangers ahead. When the person ahead of the next rider encountered a situation that might cause harm or trouble for someone else, he quickly warned his compadres.
This was such a wonderful picture of how the body of Christ should function. We, as followers of Christ, have a tremendous responsibility to do all that we can to assist our fellow laborers in their journey home. When we see trouble spots in the road of life, we ought to love one another enough to lovingly help our brother or sister maneuver through the pot holes, the rough patches, and the obstacles that could hinder them.
There was even one point during the ride that I encountered a problem with the motorcycle and had to stop for a moment. I was amazed at how quickly the other bikers in the group came alongside me to make sure everything was all right. Even the riders who were in front of me turned around to come back.
We are admonished in Galatians 6:2 to bear one another’s burdens. We are all in this together.
I once heard an explanation of why geese fly in a V-formation. Scientists did a study and found that this unique flight pattern is for a few very pragmatic reasons. A flock of geese flying in formation can move faster and maintain flight longer than any one goose flying alone. We have a lot to learn from these geese.
By flying in "V " formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are heading in the same direction as we are.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. There are times when our faith is soaring, and we feel like everybody else should run to keep up with us. Then, there are those times when we need to drop back and allow the current of others to help carry us for a while.
I have heard geese in this “flying V” honk almost incessantly. Often, I’ve wondered what all the noise was about. Researchers have found that these geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. We need to be careful what we say when we honk from behind.
Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out, two other geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation until they catch up with their group.
If we are to survive in these treacherous times, we must learn to stand by each other, protect one another and sometimes even warn one another of pitfalls and potholes. Rest assured, it makes the journey so much safer and enjoyable.
