When riding on a tandem bike, the person in front is in charge. He does the steering and usually sets the pace. The rider in the second seat helps to pedal.

I heard about a believer in Christ named Chuck who loves tandem biking with his wife or son. He's a dynamic business executive, a man of action and decision.

Although Chuck had grown up in the church, he was holding back from committing certain aspects of his life to the Lord. He always had to be in control. But the consequences of his stubborn pride and self-sufficiency were making his life miserable. His relationships with his business partners, with his family, and with God were breaking down.

One morning, unable to take it any longer, he went on a solitary bike ride to think things through. He was gone so long that his wife began to worry. When he returned, his face was tear-stained but he was smiling. He told his wife, "I put God on the front seat this morning."

Christ's command to us is this: "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" (Jn. 15:14). Such obedience requires total commitment, holding nothing back from the Lord. It means letting Him take the front seat.  — David C. Egner