Sunday, October 31, 2010

dad, I think we need to rethink my Christmas present again...



Theresa and I are still recovering from Saturday night at Calvary Chapel Escondido and our annual Harvest Celebration. a safe, fun, and crowded alternative to Halloween, we again had thousands from the community come for a night of free games, candy, fellowship, and to visit our motorcycles. For the eighth year we brought our bikes down for kids and adults to sit on, rev the motors,and enjoy. From 19 months to well into their 70's, our group of men, women, and children showed what fun motorcycles are, and watched as kids brought their parents, and husbands brought their wives. And found out how that Jesus and motorcycles are a perfect match.
But one woman, reminded me that the two most misunderstood people on earth are Christians and bikers, and I just happen to be a Christian biker-double whammy! As she stood by-talking on her cell phone, glaring at her son, while motioning to get off, who was sitting on Woody's Gold Wing-now there is an outlaw bike, I took the opportunity between her phone calls to ask her if she would like to sit on one with her son. "I hate motorcycles," she told me. And went on to tell me all the usual reasons-lies, excuses, and gossip. Three perfect characteristics of the chronic cell phone addict. I didn't respond-these types are too narrowly focused on themselves to hear, but this is what I would have said.
It is true, we lane split. The CHP advocates it. And my first question is, why would you want to get into a 15mpg mini van, after a stressful day at work, and talk on your cell phone-illegally, Miss Safety Advocate, and spend the next 45 minutes stressed out in traffic? When I can get home in half the time, not stressed, or even better, take the long way home-by choice, and arrive relaxed and happy? And with kids in the car, don't you think time well spent is talking to them, instead of gossiping on the phone, while parking your kids in front of a DVD screen? With the only conversation telling them to shut up, so you can hear? Health food for you, drive thru Mickey D for them. And yes, cars are dangerous. I got hit last year by two women who weren't paying attention to driving, hit anyone lately? Don't worry, your selfish actions will cause damage, or may have-you just don't hear about it.
But right next to you, was a ten year old boy, writing a prayer request in our book. For his mom, who is in a wheelchair. Bone disease, and needed prayer-do you think she would interrupt your precious phone call? She didn't have to interrupt us-we went to her, with her son, and prayed with them. To us trendy is serving, while we ride, or in between rides. Oh, and we served that night, and many others, as couples, husband and wife. When is the last time you ministered like that? Or with your kids? Those of us who ride are a big family. And a happy one-did you ever see a motorcycle parked in front of your psychiatrist's office? Riding with Jesus is our drug of choice.
Why are children attracted to bikes? They see the fun, the challenge, the adventure. And they get shown respect-how often do you show respect to others who don't share your viewpoint? Or hairdresser? Or church? I could go on, but you get the point.
And unlike the good church goer who only invites people to church, so the pastor can do his job of getting them saved, we go into the biker world, and others, taking the love of Jesus to them. Showing love and compassion to those hurting and less fortunate. Via toy runs, biker rallies, and fund raisers, I have found it true that if you have a problem, call a biker. We call it respect, and it is earned. And shared among our brotherhood. Jesus calls it the gospel.
That is what I would have said, only because she rudely denied our invitation. But it hard hearted people like that we continue to pray for. And will ask you again how we can serve them, and maybe ask their designer jeans to grace the seat of our bikes. And we hope they say yes-for a whole world is inviting you to be part of it. Where truth, brotherhood, and respect is found-and on two wheels. Freedom you can't explain, but want to share. And it is only found in Jesus. Two wheels is just one of the ways-and I think the best way to get there.
Bikers and Christians will always be looked down on-it's the freedom we have that the world can't handle. Wind in your face, and the road your home-exciting. and with Jesus to guide you, how can it get any better?
Maybe if you hang up, we can show you. As for now, it is only the cool who ride, and even the cooler who know Jesus. Ask your son, maybe the smile on his face while sitting on Woody's bike says more about us than it does about you. Ask Ethan, and is that maybe a smile on Miles' face? One smile the product of truth, the frown, the product of error. Your choice, as for me and my family we will ride-with Jesus!
Perhaps Pastor Josh's son, Jacob said it best. While twisting the grips of the motorcycle he was sitting on said, "Dad, I think we need to rethink my Christmas present this year!" Out of the mouth of babes-a biker is born-again!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com