Rich Dixon has thought a bit about risk.

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Road cycling is risky.

Public highways, distracted drivers. Descending steep mountain passes. If you seek absolute safety, a bike tour probably isn’t for you.

Our FREEDOM TOUR 2017 team examined the intersection of risk and faith.

To prepare for the discussion, we read Ecclesiastes 10: 8-9, Matthew 22:37-40, Luke 9:24.

Our conversation focused – initially – onphysical risk. We talked about embracing uncertainty or even danger for a worthy cause.

We asked questions like, “What’s an acceptable level of risk?” and “Does taking more risk indicate more faith?”

It took a while, but we finally got to the core issue.

We’re not supposed to choose dangerous roads or ride without bike helmets to demonstrate our faith. In fact, you and I most likely won’t be asked to risk our lives for Jesus.

That isn’t the point.

Jesus wasn’t referring to physical sacrifice when he said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

When the religious leaders challenged Jesus to name the most important commandment, he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

“What’s an acceptable risk?” is another way of asking, “What can I hold back or keep in reserve?”

ALL your heart. ALL your soul. ALL your mind.

Apparently, when it comes to Jesus, there’s no such thing as holding back.

Following him is risky business.

He also said “Love your neighbor as yourself” is a commandment just like the first.

I challenged us (myself) with one of my favorite questions: “Do I really believe what I believe?”

When it comes to loving God and loving my neighbor, what do I hold back? Which opinions and biases do I cling to for security?

Like the rich young ruler, I go away sad.

Risky business.