This weekend, I stepped way outside my comfort zone — I took motorcycle driving lessons. It was mentally and physically exhausting, stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. But I pushed through, dug deep, talked myself off a few mental ledges, and…I passed! (WHOOT WHOOT!)
Now, I’ll be honest: the thrill only came after it was over. Learning to ride, in the middle of the hottest two days of summer in Florida, on blacktop for six hours a day? Not exactly a spa day. The internal dialogue was constant and dramatic:
“Why am I doing this? This is insane. It’s sooo hot. I can’t do it.”
“Stop it. You can do this. You are strong! You do not quit. You do hard things.”
“The ground truly is lava and I think my feet are melting into the pavement” “There are only 4 hours left, you made it this far, keep going!”
And I prayed. I used every moment I had — waiting my turn, trying not to confuse the throttle with the brake — to pray for strength, endurance, clarity…for myself and the other student and for a breeze.
Final test score: 100%
Relief: 1000%
Gratitude: 10,000%
At the end of the course, the instructors went over traffic rules and riding tips. One tip stuck with me: “A green light gives you permission to go, not proof that it’s safe to go.” As a motorcyclist, you pause even at a green light. You scan the intersection. You decide if it’s safe.
At 3 AM (thanks, menopause), that principle was still on my mind. And it reminded me of something from church that morning: “All things are lawful,” but not all things are beneficial." (1 Corinthians 10:23)
It’s easy to think, “It’s my right. The light’s green. I’m going to go.” Just because I can go doesn’t mean I should, all the “right of way” in the world won’t protect you from someone barreling through a red light. we do not want to make decisions based on entitlement but instead use wisdom.
A real-life example: I am an adult, I want to relax and have a drink, I’m legally allowed to drink. But if I’m with someone who struggles with their sobriety, would I want to make their battle harder just because I have the right? Is that love?
A work example: Let’s say you're a leader with a great idea — something you're passionate about and fully capable of executing. You’ve got the green light from your upline, the resources are available, and technically, you could launch today. But maybe your team is in the middle of a big transition. If you move forward just because you can, you might unintentionally cause stress, resentment, or poor implementation.
Freedom in Christ isn’t reckless, we read “Prov 22:3, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” and Philippians 1:9-10, “Discern what is best.”
Prudence and Discernment take precedence over entitlement.
The Bible reminds us: not everything that’s allowed is wise, loving, or life-giving; our words and actions are meant to build up, not tear down — even when we have the right to speak or act freely. "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29
So, before I speak or act, I ask: Will this build up? Will it give grace? Will it reflect Christ? Is it safe for others? This kind of wisdom, restraint, and consideration isn’t weakness. It’s strength under the guidance of the Spirit. It’s love in action. It’s emotional intelligence shaped by the Gospel. Sometimes, the most prudent and discerning move at a green light… is to wait.
LOOK Before You GO (Yes, I love a good acronym, Bible school habits die hard!)
L – Listen for the Spirit. He’s your internal guide.
O – Observe what’s happening around you.
O – Own your part. Do the right thing with integrity.
K – Keep others in mind. Just because I can, doesn’t mean I should.
After you LOOK, then GO —
Let’s be people who don’t just go because we can — but go because it’s good, wise, loving, and right.
