I can't believe it was almost twenty years ago we took place in a focus group that Chrysler was sponsoring for a new car they were coming out with. We would look and sit in other competitor's cars, and comment, telling them what we liked or desired in a new car. And we got paid for it! It was mostly Japanese sedans, and in all cars the labels were cleverly covered with tape, hiding the brand of the manufacturer. And you noticed a funny thing, without labels, you couldn't tell a Nissan from a Toyota, or a Honda-they all looked the same, down to the color in the interior molding. Shapes of instrument clusters and seat patterns-they were all so similar you could not tell them apart! Without the power of advertising you could be looking at buying virtually the same car! I had never realized the importance of logos or corporate labels identifying a car before. And as a contrast, the two US branded cars were so unalike you could tell instantly who built them.
For comparison, a few weeks ago I pulled into Biggs Harley to get the new Thunder Press. They were having a special event, and were parking new bikes outside under the tents. When I pulled up on the new Triumph Thunderbird from the press fleet I was riding, they all looked up. Some nodded, some waved until I parked next to their Harleys and suddenly they realized I was on a non-HD. And their attitudes changed, suddenly the smiles and friendliness left their faces, and I felt like an outsider. And their faces changed expression again after I took off my helmet and they recognized me, then all was all right again, one guy even commenting what a good looking bike. But I thought, what if I was a potential customer, and greeted like that? Why would I shop there? A few years ago this was acceptable practice from some dealers-but now that this dealer's sales went from 80+ new bikes a month to 15, I was astonished they still took that attitude. And these guys know me, and know better! Again, a label on the tank made all the difference-this time the importance of not covering it up!
A few years back Dick invited three of us to talk to his high school group at his church. Four of us including Dick showed up, on our bikes, and we were to share for about 20 minutes to this high school group. But a funny thing happened, after twenty minutes, two of us hadn't shared yet. And the kids didn't want us to stop. And after we all shared, we took questions, and gave counsel, and then at around 10pm, they told us we had to leave, they were locking the church on this Wednesday night. So we took it out into the parking lot, and at around 1130pm, we finally broke up after praying. Four bikers, on three brands, from three towns and four different churches-the only common denominator being Jesus Christ. No labels to cover in case we upset someone with where we go to church. No labels covered so our different brands could interfere, and no age barriers-we were family in Christ, and reminded me that we should act like it.
On a night where none of us figured on being out that late-Willie still had a two hour ride back to Fountain Valley, we had church. Not organized, but in the spirit. We sang, prayed, counseled, listened, laughed, and loved with one another-almost three generations worth of Christians-men and women.
How is your label influencing your walk with Christ? Are you a Christian in Jesus, do you belong to a certain denomination, or are you bound by certain non-spiritual laws? Getting more Jesus but enjoying it less? Keep the main thing the main thing-Jesus. Be an example of Him inside and outside your church. Let nothing stand between you and Him. Nothing. And live in the spirit-and enjoy a freedom in Christ you never knew before.
Let your heart for Jesus be the only label anyone sees, and don't cover it up. Don't hide your light-let it shine!
Triumph riders need Jesus just like Harley riders, just like BMW riders-note they need Him more, just kidding. Stand out from the crowd by your love-the best and only witness Jesus asks for. Hey, if bikers can get along, what about the rest of you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com