Lessons Learned on the Journey

Living in Budapest, Hungary provided a super venue for bicycling. Riding the paths along the Danube River with my daughters brought me great joy. However, no one ever confused me with Lance Armstrong. Interesting that no one has commented that I have a cyclist's physique either. Oh, well. Cycling on the Tour de France is completely different from what I call bicycling.

As I watched Lance Armstrong cross the finish line to win his sixth Tour de France title, I mused over Lance's and my approach to cycling. Certainly stamina, athleticism and the previously mentioned physique play a part in the difference. But for me bicycling is recreation; for Lance, it's his life! There is nothing casual about his approach to riding. What he eats, the hours of practice, coaching instruction and his relationships are all affected by his passion for cycling. His success comes with great pain and sacrifice, both his own and that of others.

When Jesus called His disciples to "follow me'" it was not for recreation and entertainment. His call was to total commitment with life-changing motivations -- a call with a passion. Lives changed by Jesus can say with the Apostle Paul "for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

Examining the life of Lance Armstrong quickly demonstrates his all-consuming passion -- cycling. What will people say is our passion? They may not see a cyclist's physique or lifestyle, but hopefully they will see another passion demonstrated by Christ-like character. Passion for Christ -- do we have it?