Surprising Risks About Faith
Our house for the 1973 Penasco Mission Trip
Rich almost joined our first Penasco, NM mission trip in 1973, so when we discussed a 2025 ride, he suggested Colorado and New Mexico, with several days in Taos, and wanted to ride the 25-miles to Penasco to see what he’d missed. We met some friendly locals, got some old-time soda pops. I spotted the house we’d rented that year, and pulled off to the side and parked, intending to walk back to avoid two U turns in “downtown,” and Rich would wait.
After taking the pic, I turned and saw people standing around Rich. Turns out he wanted to get farther from the road, but the asphalt had a good 2” drop onto some loose ground and rocks. Rich and his Sportster took a tumble, two cars saw it and stopped. They helped get his bike up, and one of the car passengers, an EMT, suggested Rich get it checked out: his helmet hit a rock and left a gouge. Better the plastic than flesh and blood, but he passed.
That led to a dinner discussion, that bikes are most stable at a moderate speed. The wheels act like gyroscopes to keep the bike upright and in line. But if you try to walk the bike, especially backing it up downhill, drops become pretty easy. At the other end, high rates of speed increase vulnerability, with little time to react.
Some good lessons for our rate of spiritual growth, about how we invest our time and energy and activity in prepping for heaven. I’ve searched for or walked with God most of my life, and observed the paths of spiritual growth for many. Here’s two generally true generalizations, each with significant exceptions. Some begin in a ball of fire, emotionally driven to do all they can as soon as possible. Too many burn out, and either leave faith or become mediocre. Others make a genuine commitment, but grow in measured doses. Little passion, holding something back from full surrender. Most stay, but you see little joy or fruit of the Spirit.
Paul gave an option, “For we are God’s fellow-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building… each one should be careful how he builds. For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11). He goes on to say that how we build on the foundation of Jesus impacts our joy in heaven. The key: do we surrender to knowing Jesus as our Savior and Lord? Do we make each decision on that basis? Is he our boss? Of course, we can’t do it perfectly, but is that our primary goal?
Peter said it well, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). As you build your faith, build in stability by surrender to Jesus.
Kick Starting the Application
Have you consciously thought that the foundation you build impacts your entire life? What have you not yet surrendered to? What keep you from doing that?