Train Up To Reduce Risk

For some reason, lately, death and motorcycles have been a reoccurring theme in my life. Not in terms of death due to motorcycles but as separate incidences. For example, my neighbor recently lost his mother due to old age, while my friend experienced the “death” of his marriage. Although both had come to terms with their situation, they still experienced pain and suffering.

Surprisingly, although they don’t know each other, that neighbor and my friend both purchased motorcycles around the same time. When I asked them about their purchase, it seemed they both bought the bikes as a way to deal with their burdens. Both describe their need to be “free” and leave their burdens “behind.” They also mentioned how riding gives them time to think about life and a feeling of control and independence.

To me, this idea is ironic because although I love motorcycles, I also know the inherent danger they pose, especially in populated areas. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash. Also, motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured.

The high rate of injury and death is a combination of rider and driver recklessness. However, most of these accidents occur because the rider was not adequately trained or educated on how to ride. Unfortunately, many riders learn the basics and believe that “experience” will teach them the rest.

This idea is dangerous because, as one senior rider said when taking up riding again after almost 30 years off a motorcycle, “What I learned there [a riders course at a local dealership] was that I really did not know how to ride properly or safely. I was amazed by the things I learned, proper handling, turning, braking, shifting, and more. I’m really glad I took that course and would highly recommend that anyone looking to start riding take the riding course.”

Their stories remind me that we, too, can expose ourselves to danger when we’re not adequately trained in the Word and doing life on our own. Yet, so many men feel they can go through life “independently” and learn as they go. “I’ll get over it. I can handle it on my own.” is a saying I’ve heard much that usually doesn’t end well.

Take time today to consider how prepared you are to tackle this world’s dangers with Scripture. Also, what fellow brother do you have in your life that can ride alongside you? If not, it’s time to train up to reduce your risk of injury when riding through life.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Pray:

Pray for how you will train daily with Scripture to prepare as you go out into the world. Also the perserverance to remain steadfast.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.