There is a group within our motorcycling community that unless you know them, are almost completely invisible. Within this group they are up to date on the latest models, know the latest trends, and can tell you who is the fastest and where the best deals are. They can tell you the difference between a stock and an "R" model, what colors are new for 2012, and what the best tires are for touring. They can tell you where the most popular bike nights are, where the trendy people are touring this year, and what roads are the best motorcycle roads. And they may be standing next to you in a bike shop, and you never know it. And they know all these things, yet have never thrown a leg over a motorcycle or even ridden a mile. They are known as a group as "aspiring motorcyclists," people who have never ridden, and many who may never ride-they just love the sport. They digest all the info they can, and know more than many who do ride-just never have had the experience to match it. All based on here say, magazines, and listening to those who do ride. They have smelled the aroma of the steak, and heard the sizzle-just never sat down to eat one.
Included within this group is a subgroup which does ride-they just have never gone anywhere. I find them more in clubs, on older bikes, and are always willing to join in when talking about having been somewhere. But when asked "when were you there?" they always reply they never have, just read about it, or have been listening to someone who has been. And at first I thought how neat that the next generation of riders is so informed, except they never became riders. And many who aren't, think they are, and believe what they say because they say it with such authority. Now I find I am rather disgusted with them. They have no intention of riding, but want to share in your blessings by hanging out and getting part of the overflow. Buzz words to listen for are "My new bike was bike of the year," over 20 years ago. "I am saving, and when I get enough the Kawasuzsonda is my next ride." Only they never get enough money, the dream is always just out of reach. But the dead give away is "My wife won't let me have a motorcycle." And sadly these gelded men go through life, married to a nag who controls all their life activities. And along with their desire to ride, also has emasculated them in other dreams. And as they look back, they can only comment on how things might have been-not how they should have been. A life without any life in it, a life without motorcycles. Never knowing the freedom-only having read about it. More aspiration than perspiration-never seeing the nation. Only frustration.
Pseudo-knowledge, not facts. I think we all know people like that, and we soon grow tired of them, and avoid them. Perhaps that is why a full face helmet is so effective-it drowns out the noise. But what do you do when you encounter aspiring Christians? You know those that claim to know all about the Bible, and comment on it-they know all about Jesus-they just don't know Him! It seems they always have the loudest mouths, the most opinions, yet they have never stepped foot inside a church. "Too many hypocrites," they say. Never seeing themselves less than perfect. Ready at any time to dispute the deity of Jesus
Christ, remind you He really wasn't born on Christmas Day, and how bad the church is. Confusing the church-people, for a God that they know about, but yet have never met. Opinionated, just neglecting the truth. And like the aspiring rider, only leave a trail of disappointment for others to follow in. And leaving a wake they never see, for they don't care about people, don't care about God, but only wish to elevate themselves to a status where they are admired. Self condemned, they have heard the truth-just never let it set them free. A slave to religion, and a slave to self-and it doesn't have to be this way.
Christ, remind you He really wasn't born on Christmas Day, and how bad the church is. Confusing the church-people, for a God that they know about, but yet have never met. Opinionated, just neglecting the truth. And like the aspiring rider, only leave a trail of disappointment for others to follow in. And leaving a wake they never see, for they don't care about people, don't care about God, but only wish to elevate themselves to a status where they are admired. Self condemned, they have heard the truth-just never let it set them free. A slave to religion, and a slave to self-and it doesn't have to be this way.
1John tells us to test the spirit. Works on riders too. I can throw in key places I've been to expose their lies. Also works in testing a so-called Christian brother. Ask them about the deity of Jesus. If He is only a great teacher and prophet-but not God, reject them and expose them for the apostate person they are. Avoid them, and like 2John says "do not even tell them God Bless You!" And don't let them in your house-or church. They only seek to destroy-a little leaven, sin, soon goes through the whole loaf. Pray for them, but let God handle them-it is not your job to change their heart. They are the ones leaving the fresh scratch in your new tank-don't let them leave marks on your life, too.
"Aspiring riders" have been around for years. Do not be afraid to ask them qualifying questions. Because you see there are also some within the group truly looking, who may have been hurt by some because they aren't religious, or don't have anyone to ride with. Be sensitive to the spirit! For you once were lost, or only riding in a car. Introduce them to the freedom of motorcycling! Introduce them to the freedom of Jesus Christ! And watch as God changes their life and yours. For love is not fully expressed until it is shared. And no matter the age-8 to 80, you never forget your first motorcycle ride!
A whole new generation of believers is waiting. Be among those that introduce them to the truth. And don't be afraid to expose those who only aspire, but have no desire. We call it life, and it is for the living. Given by a man who died, and then rose again. Just like He said. Don't take other people's word for it-ask Him direct!
And if you really want to ride, but a good helmet first. Protect the brain you have, then use it! You should be riding! You will never know the life you are missing if you don't take the first ride. Aspire that one!
Heresy or here say-find out for yourself! I'm going riding!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com