I can already see several benefits to this endeavor (not just biking, but joining a group):
1) It reveals my grotesque pride (e.g. I've been worrying if they will think my sunglasses are cool?!? How shallow and ungodly. How will I measure up against others, as far as athleticism or stamina? Will they like me? Will they think I am tough, or a poser with no right to run with that crowd?) Putting myself in this situation is a great opportunity to forsake pride and choose humility, to find my calm in God and His unfathomable love, not some perceived level of personal prowess in which I can be secure.
It's a perfect opportunity to eradicate that closely-clinging sin so I might run with endurance... and be that much closer to conforming to the Son's image.
2) It loosens the grip my fear of risks has on me, and helps me grow as I discover you can take (reasonable) risks without dying. Only on the other side of stepping out do we discover the feats God can help us accomplish. Comfort does not lead to greatness.
3) It gives me another "sphere" which can be a mission field. I want to cultivate relationships and seek opportunities for Jesus to shine through me. What better way than spending time with people?
4) I can be a friend to someone who might need one. It's a great opportunity to reach out, share love, and give without expectation of receiving.
5) It holds parallels for spiritual training-- an author illustrated life as a race (Heb 12), and Paul commonly noted the value of physical and spiritual training.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Cor. 9:24-27
And again,
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? Gal 5:7
...as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Phil 2:16.
Finally, a passage that's become very real to me recently:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb. 12:1-3
Running is good. It's hard, but it's valuable. More on that soon! It's bedtime now. :)
