We have a number of folks here in the mountains that ride motorcycles. Some have trikes, some bikes, but they all have one thing in common. When they ride, most dress for it. Helmets, jackets, gloves, hard shoes, tough pants. They dress to protect themselves, from the elements, and from the road. They don't do like some riders I have seen, in Florida particularly, wearing no helmet, wearing sneakers, or worse yet flip-flops. Not so smart. A good way to make things more dangerous than they need or should be. The smart riders wear their riding armor in other words. They do what is necessary to protect themselves from the bad consequences of an accident.

Good lesson there if you ask me, for all of us. We should not hurt ourselves, don't ride a bicycle barefoot, we should put on our shoes. We all need to wear our armor, don't we? We should be protecting ourselves, we should not neglect to prepare for the bad things that can happen, regardless of how inconvenient it may make us feel, we still need that helmet even on a hot day, still need that thick jacket, still need to pray even when we would rather do something else. (Notice how I snuck that in?)

Ephesians 6:13-18 (ESV)

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

We cannot walk through the world and deal with its craziness without wearing our armor. We cannot do it without our spiritual shoes on, we will tear up our feet. We should not be foolish like the helmet-less riders in Florida. We should not be like those folks who think they can make it through life by relying only on themselves.

Psalm 107: 17-32

17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

18 They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.

19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from heir distress.

20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

23 Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.

24 They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.

25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.

26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.

27 They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits' end.

28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.