There is a fine line between lust and passion. Symptoms may be similar, but the heart knows the difference, for passion comes from God. And in turn is returned to Him via worship. Putting Him first, instead of living for our own desires. For instance I am chastised by others from time to time because our garage is full of motorcycles-7 right now, #8 comes home tomorrow. Five are mine, two Andrew's, and one we keep for a friend. And I am asked, "do you really need five motorcycles, you can only ride one at a time?" So I would like to address that question, since the last time I was asked you could tell the person was jealous. Or indignant-somehow it just wasn't right for God to bless us.
God has given us a passion for motorcycles. And for riding them, and for being out among the motorcycling community to minister. And since there are many moods, each bike represents a different mood. The Street Triple is fast. Just the basics, and can go 0-100 in less than 8 seconds. Read this paragraph again, and I just went 100! Great brakes and great handling, too. And all the fast guys know what it is, and so I can fit in with them and visit. When they stop-this thing called self preservation keeps me from riding at their level.
There is no way to be anonymous on the Bonneville. People stop us, roll down car windows, or come and tell us stories about how they had one once. "It was hard to start, bad electrics, and it leaked oil-but boy I miss that bike! Wish I had it back!" For the memories that go with it are deep in people. We have heard about marriages, college days, and girlfriends all because I am on one. Precious stories, we never get tired of hearing them. They are right, this bike is special-I can ride it 100 feet and find myself smiling. Fun is the word you are looking for here.
Orange County Vintage Bike has a cool show the second Sunday of each month. So when I ride my 1978 Suzuki GS1000e there, I am among guys who remember it-and how we wanted one back then, but money, careers, and family stood in our way. More memories to share, bench racing to do, and I get to visit with a different group of motorcyclists-guys like me who have the same disease called motorcycles. And I am amazed at how far technology has come in 34 years, and how I am not the only thing that got older-but not old.
Seems we are ahead of the curve with the Tiger-an adventure bike, which is very popular today. When the road ends, the ride doesn't have to-we used to call them dual-sports. Set up for touring, we have accumulated 78,000 miles since 2006, and been in 48 states-only riding it 6 weeks a year! It is the one bike that is always ready for a trip, and set up for both of us. From Maine to Savannah, to Daytona Beach, to the Upper Peninsula, to the Columbia River Gorge, and so much in between-it has seen America, and so have we! Meeting so many who we never would in a car, God has blessed us with the passion to travel, and then allowed it to happen!
But bike #5 is special. It too is a Bonneville, but its rider is Theresa. You see she rides her own sometimes, and we just back from a 400 mile weekend. She has ridden over 45,000 miles in 6 years. And she gets to ride her own ride, and we get to ride together-just on separate bikes this time. And she gets to talk to many who are amazed that she, a woman rides, that she knows about her bike, and has done 500 mile days. Like her plate says-"GET OVER IT-GIRLS RIDE TOO!" And riding with your best friend, whether on the seat behind or the bike ahead, is a great blessing. You see God wants to bless us-so we let Him! Scripture tells us that He gives you the desire of your heart, and with us, HE is the desire of our hearts. Then all things get added-and He supplies them. Not to covet, but to enjoy. Not to worship, but to use to honor Him, and to be used to minister to others. He calls it grace-I call it fantastic!
The Apostle Paul understood this, too. He made Jesus first, and became all things to all people. He went to them, like Jesus did, and spoke their language. He took care of himself, never asked for food or money, and watched as God guided him like no other man since Jesus. From jail to shipwreck, and all between-his passion for Jesus showed to all, and made his witness effective and believable. And just like Jesus, we get to eat with many who churches might make sit in the back, or not let in at all. We get to see little kids in hospitals excited to sit on bike. We see old ladies take their first ride at 80! We see God's beauty as we travel this wonderful country, and we see His grace as He allows us to do it. And the time alone with Him while riding is precious. For it is a passion we have for Jesus, and not the things of the world. He just puts them in perspective, and when you seek Him first, He truly adds all other things to your life. And you own them-they don't own you.
So maybe 5 bikes isn't enough? More people to see, roads to ride, and the gospel to share. For when God gives you a vision, He has already worked out a way to fulfill it. So don't let the jealous, or Pharisee types get you down. Ask them along. Invite them to ride with you. To experience the things of God firsthand, instead of through some gossip or bitter ones who are lustful. Let the greatness of God shine through your life and ride, and watch as you are blessed more times than you can count. Watch as others are drawn to you, and want to know about your joy. And take the time to share Jesus in your own words, to many who would never hear them in church. Jesus taught in the chapel, but ministered out on the streets. Where the people are-and where the motorcycles are. 2000 years ago He knew a time was coming when we would want to ride. That time is now. Invite Him along-let the joy begin!
Live your best for Christ. Enjoy the blessings of sharing His love with others. Maybe 5 bikes aren't enough-you see there are seven days, and God rested on the seventh, leaving six. Maybe God is telling me something, could it be the time to buy another? Like I said, so many roads, so few bikes, and so little time. No matter the ride, enjoy it in Jesus. Put Him first! And keep Him there. And as He becomes the desire of your heart, watch as the blessings overflow in your life. Joy unspeakable-and full of motorcycles! And the half has never yet been ridden!
And to the one asking is 5 enough, seek God for your own walk. Don't envy mine. Ask God for a passion that only He can fulfill. From the heart. You'll know. And so will we. It's that personal.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com