“Why do we do this?”
Why do we ride the bikes, cut up the fruit, fill the water bottles? I keep looking at this question, wondering if I understand the core reason we sleep on floors, train and prepare for months, and do all the other stuff that makes the FREEDOM TOUR happen.
We like cycling, so that’s a reason. And we want to advocate for justice and support the kids at the HOME OF HOPE, perhaps deeper reasons. But somehow I keep thinking there’s something more fundamental. I just haven’t quite put my finger on it.
Then I read this quote from Bob Goff and his wonderful book Everybody Always.
“Our problem following Jesus is we’re trying to be a better version of us, rather than a more accurate reflection of Him.”
That’s it! I get stuck so often on doing better – riding better, raising more money, writing better devotions, leading more effectively. And there’s nothing wrong with any of that. It’s all important, worthwhile, helpful. But, as Bob says, these are all about being better versions of me.
Jesus doesn’t want that. He doesn’t want me to get better at going the way I’m going. It’s like a guy who’s taken a wrong turn deciding the best solution would be running faster down the wrong path.
Jesus wants me to turn around and go the other way. Rather than working harder to be a better me, I need to get myself out of the way. Maybe you’ve heard this before:
It’s not about me.
Or you. Or bikes. Or even kids at a safe house. It’s not about any of those absolutely essential elements. Not really.
Like Bob says, it’s about trying to reflect Jesus. That’s why we do this.