Motorsport at one time was the premier motorcycle dealer in Albuquerque. Selling Suzuki, BMW, and Triumph, they had two stores-one at the main gate at the fairgrounds on San Pedro NE, prime location, and the other, a new, modern store on Montgomery NE. While other brands were in smaller, less modern and efficient buildings, the Bodwells, owners of Motorsport, were ahead of the curve, with the Montgomery location this modern, glass building, which was frequented by UNM architectural students. They rode, but above that were businessmen, and had been since the early fifties-building a solid reputation in the biker community. And at a time when Honda sold everything, in Albuquerque Suzuki was right there with them, we still sold every Triumph we could get our hands on, and BMW-well, they were BMW. A dealership that was a cut above all other stores at the time, a leader in the biker community. And the first to go on computer with a parts inventory. Big news for 1975! That was the Motorsport that I worked for, and remembered. And that was the Motorsport that I bragged to the guys at PJ's Triumph about-which is a much different Motorsport than I remembered. Thirty years later.
PJ's Triumph is perhaps the premier motorcycle store today in Albuquerque. And with Ducati, and Husky, represent the Euro brands well. From PJ offering me a ride on a custom bobber, I was just some guy pulling in on a Tiger, to Aaron fitting me in while on the road, they ride and get it. They are what Motorsport was, catering to the biker and the biker community-I say was because today Motorsport is out of business. A slow spiral down as the elder Bodwells died, and left the shop in the hands of the family. And truly the expression, "no one does it better than you," applies here. As they lost their standing and their customers within the community, bikers went elsewhere. And guys like PJ and others were there to welcome them into their stores. The last time I went by the store on Montgomery, it was abandoned, for sale or lease. The windows filthy, trash in the yard, and weeds. Something that never would be allowed in my memory. And as they drifted into this spiral of decay with no return, they became a blight on the community. So when I told Jonezy or Dylan about working there, they raised an eyebrow, and my reputation with them was based on me-rather than my memories. A Motorsport that didn't exist anymore, and didn't in their memories. And maybe that is how it should be.
Jesus writes one of the seven letters to the church at Sardis. He tells them they have lost their first love. They have abandoned Christ, and although their buildings still stand, and the people are still there, the Holy Spirit has left them. They shut Him out and went their own ways, and lived by their past reputation. Even the church was deceived into thinking they were the same, but God knew better. Religion had taken over, and the numbers looked good, so leave me alone God. And so He did, and the world around them. The church at Sardis was dead, and so was the city. Rarely attacked, because they had become of no value, they died of neglect and abandonment-not realizing it. And just like my memories of Motorsport, the current generation knew better. Their memories were fresher, the older generations were gone, and now they were the latest, and greatest. And without knowing, I had labeled myself with the past-but was living in the present.
Over a period of years, I have seen ministries come and go. All meaning well, all trying to do what they think God is showing them. And many sadly are the church of Sardis within the world. Numbers based, growing the ministry, but neglecting Jesus. Oh, they use His name, even says so on their web site, but they have lost their way, forsaking their first love. And leading others down the path of destruction without knowing it, led by a leadership who only preaches to the choir, the same old tune, but different words. It is all about them, and only the truly spiritual awake see it, and then they become the bad guys when they confront them with it.
Who is your first love? Is He the same one you gave your heart to years ago? Is He still fresh and alive in your heart, and giving you a reason to get up each morning? Or have you forsaken Him, maybe subtly, by following a club, church, denomination, pastor, or teacher? Do you need a back patch, bumper sticker, or t-shirt to tell someone who is your first love, or do your actions reflect it? Are people led to seek God by your attitudes and actions? Or encouraged to join an organization that believes like you?
Check into Jesus today, and see what you have been missing. He is memories to yet occur, and who better to trust tomorrow with than someone who has been there? And holds the future? No one travels to Sardis anymore, the glory is gone. Just like Motorsport. Don't let your life go the same way. Share Jesus. Speak the words He gives you. Be yourself in Him. And ride a fast cycle. Because the truth that sets you free, may be a burden to those of Sardis.
Sardis had a past. Jesus promises a future. Only with Him as your first love will you enjoy the blessings of life. And see the promise of heaven.
Like my old shirts, memories fade. You won't find replacements for them by shopping at Sardis. Look to the heavenlies-I hope to see you there! I know I'll be!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com