I
ride a motorcycle, and if that were not already sufficiently high-risk, I ride
a motorcycle as my daily use vehicle, not for recreation. Periodically I hear
concerns about this, and I appreciate that people don’t want me to get hurt (or
worse). But my answer is simple. I do not take unnecessary risks, I am not
reckless, and since I believe God has ordained all things and works them for
the ultimate (saving) good of his people (Rom. 8:28), I don’t worry about it.
We
should not mistake foolishness for faith. Though we trust in God’s protection,
this is no excuse for irresponsible behavior. “You shall not put the Lord your
God to the test” (Matt. 4:7; Deut. 6:16). Recklessness is not an act of faith;
it is sinful presumption, daring God to guard us from the consequences of our
stupidity, something he never promises to do.
At
the same time, we can rest confidently in the overarching sovereignty and
perfect decree of God “who works all things according to the counsel of his
will” (Eph. 1:11). Acting in faith will often appear reckless to outsiders, as
David (1Sam. 17), Daniel (Dan. 6:10), and Paul (Acts 21:10-14) would all agree.
Recklessness is inexcusable, but risk is unavoidable. Each of us assumes a
significant amount of risk when we get out of bed each morning. But we can
trust the ultimate power, purpose, and providence of God. We should devote our
energy each day to doing God’s will, not worrying about how to prolong our
lives. It is appropriate to take reasonable precautions (which is why I always
wear a helmet when I ride), but it is not appropriate to think that by our
actions we will somehow change the will of God. If I die in a motorcycle
accident, so be it. Unless the Lord returns first, all of us will die somehow,
sometime. -JME
