Are you familiar with the Harley Davidson slogan? Life’s a journey; enjoy the ride!
I enjoy hearing and reflecting on various slogans about life. Some of them are great. Others, not some much. For example: The purpose of our lives is to be happy. (Dalai Lama) l find it constructive to reflect on how they align with what Jesus says about life.
We would expect a motorcycle manufacturer to have a clever quip about enjoying the ride. But is it robust enough for a life slogan? When all is said and done, will you be satisfied with Enjoyed the ride! on your grave marker?
Not that there’s anything wrong with riding a motorcycle and enjoying the wind in your hair and bugs in your teeth, but is it a worthy goal just to enjoy the ride of this life?
My thinking is that, in general, the Lord wants to bless us in this life. And He delights in our delight over things like motorcycle rides. But if our life goal is just to enjoy the ride, I think He’d say we have set our sights too low.
It seems there is a fine line between (a) seeking first His kingdom, and then enjoying the blessings God may bring, if He so chooses, and (b) seeking to enjoy the blessings God brings in this life. Isn’t that the message of Matthew 6:33?
As I see it, seeking the things above (Colossians 3:1) doesn’t preclude motorcycle riding, but it does take issue with the motorcyclists’ mantra, Live to ride. Or, for that matter, live to do any other thing, short of the honor of Christ in this life and eternity.
What do you think? Feel free to push back on this or take it further.