In my early years, I relied on youth and vigor and a strong body. At 26 came a 31 state, 13,000-mile ride on a naked semi-chopped Honda CB750. The longest day stretched between Beaumont and El Paso, all in Texas, well over 800 miles. Stops only for gas and meals. No windshield, no cruise control, no Cramp Buster, a duffle bag serving as a minimal backrest, no highway pegs. And I loved it! Then. But I’ve picked up some new tricks along the way. Some by necessity.
The pic shows my current 2014 Honda CTX as I bought it. It came with a lot of features: fairing and windshield, ABS brakes, saddlebags, even a cell phone charger outlet. But before last May’s ride to Idaho with Jerry, covering just 7 states and under 3,000 miles, I made some changes. This old dog learned some new tricks, since his body 50 years later didn’t remain the same. Nor did technology.
A new windshield added more protection, along with an air wing to divert more. Highway pegs allowed me to stretch my legs. An after-market cruise control saved my wrist. A passenger backrest backstopped my duffle bag for a comfy driver backrest. A cup holder allowed frequent hydration, and the cell phone mount provided Waze directions. And while gas stops reached 250 miles before, these maxed at 150 miles, and preferably 120.
Why? I want to learn, to adapt. My body at 76 just couldn’t do what it did at 26, but it still rides, but differently to account for my changing body. 50 years ago, that 750 had the newest technology, but we have more options today, like cruise control on bikes. Why should we live in the past when we have better options? Had a fine FB PM discussion yesterday with a good friend, Jeff Boyer, about how when a group (nation, church, business, whatever) grows, the bigger they grow the more organization they need to stay effective.
After Pentecost, the new Jerusalem church simply met in homes and listened to the apostles. But when Paul planted churches all over, those fellowships required more structure, like elders and deacons. The church adapted. When talking to Jewish folks, Paul quoted the Old Testament that they knew. When talking to Gentiles without that background, he quoted their philosophers and religious beliefs. He adapted.
Realize that old dogs can learn new tricks. Realize that changing situations often require new strategies to more effectively live as strangers in a strange land. Let’s use God’s unchanging word as our template for principles on how to flex. But let’s also stay in touch with our culture and technology and how they change. Let’s not blindly accept all new options, nor blindly reject them.
Kick Starting the Application
How do you keep up with changes? Do you tend to accept them, or question them or reject them? How well do you use God’s word as the standard to evaluate the changes? What’s one change you need to consider right now to better honor God?