Of Airplanes, Bicycles, and Christians

by Tim Stringer
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 2, June 1995

Ever stop to ponder why an airplane stays in the air? Or why a bicycle rider defies gravity, balancing on only two wheels? The airplane flies, and the bicycle rider balances because they move. If an airplane’s speed drops below a certain point, the wing stops providing lift, and the plane falls out of the sky. When a bicycle rider comes to a stop, he must either put his foot down or pick himself off the pavement.

How can a Christian today remain a Christian tomorrow? By continuing to move. “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7). A Christian remains a Christian by maintaining his fellowship with God. When a Christian ceases to “walk in the light,” he severs his relationship with God and falls away. The walk of a Christian is always in the present tense.

A Christian remains a Christian by constantly working in God’s kingdom. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58). A Christian must always abound in God’s work. A child of God can never sit down and say. “1 have done enough for God in my life. ” The Lord says, 'Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life'” (Revelation 2:10). God’s retirement plan is out of this world.

When an airplane stops moving in mid-air, it falls and crashes. When a bicycle stops moving, it falls. When a Christian stops walking in the light or ceases to abound in the work of the Lord, he falls.