at the top, the only way is down

So often in life we miss the big picture. We have become a society that starts at the top, and then works its way down. No one wants to go through the stages of learning that only experience can teach, let's start as a Master Tech by passing the test, then learn how to fix cars. Let's specialize in a certain aspect of the body, then learn how it works with the others. Or I'm a born manager, I'll learn the business from my subordinates as I go. Sound familiar? And then all too often we create more problems than we solve, and still have to find someone to turn on the lights so we can find our desk. Or our tools. So specialized or compartmentalized that unless there is someone there to help us, or follow us around with a mop and squeegee we will fail. And of course, it is never our fault. Lousy squeegee.

Sports has taught us to be a society of stats. ERA, RBI, and BA. People get paid big bucks for these. To perform. But the question that should be asked is-did you win? Did you know that some racers have won championships and never won a race that year? I have had techs who were great on one brand of car, but when switched luxury brands, had to relearn them all over again. What works on a Mercedes Benz may not work on a Land Rover. And I found out that Land Rovers are so weird who knows what it takes-just bring money and lots of it. But we don't wish to learn, just earn, so once we achieve a comfortable income level, we stay as we are. I had a tech once who wouldn't work on any newer cars, so his income dropped substantially. He was a whiz on the old ones, except no one ever brought them in. He eventually retired early, way off his retirement pace of money and time.

Talking with Ned and Missy yesterday, they had just added horsepower to their Harley. We talked of how dealers won't work on EVO motors anymore-they're more than 10 years old. And how when I hear about a HD mechanic being around for 40 years I wince, no way he could be current on new stuff. But worse is the new guy, who isn't taught to diagnose, but swap parts. And he can't work on anything older than him. So where do you turn for help? If you have one of the three people you never mess with-those that cut your hair, cook your food, or fix your ride-if you have one you can trust, they are better than gold. Just hope the price for their service doesn't go up accordingly.

Pride is a subtle thing sometimes. You can't brag about being humble, but you can have others do it for you. Same thing. I watch sadly as a new believer rises to the top, maybe based on being a celebrity, or his income value to the church. He excites some, incites others. And then in six months is gone. He found out the gospel isn't all about him, so he left. It wasn't a way to fame and fortune-so he went on to something that was. He needed physical and monetary gratification-not Jesus. And when he ran out of parishioners to prey on, instead of pray with-he left. Right before he was exposed, confronted and run out!

They never got past the "milk" part of being a Christian. Never got to taste the solid food of the spirit. And will continue to blame God for his failure, while others thank God for removing him. He was never part of the body. As Christians, at all and any level, we need to seek Jesus first. Without Him we are on a path, maybe not the path. And like a talented tech, we may have the education, but don't have the experience. We may have the tools, but not know how to use them. Or which part goes where. It takes the body to get us by! It takes Jesus.

So today I am thankful again for being part of a strong believing body of believers. I find I need them more than ever, and you do too. Brothers and sisters to encourage, to point you in the right direction. Consistent strong teaching to show us how to live, and show others. But mostly we need the Holy Spirit in our life-and a contrite heart to let Him lead us. It takes the Trinity of God to get us through. The Spirit to tell us we need Jesus, and to guide us. Jesus who is the way to His Father, and finally our Father who art in heaven-God! Please don't ask me to explain it-if I could it wouldn't be God! And you wouldn't understand.

Grow in grace and in Christ. Become part of a good fellowship that leans on Him, that depends on God, not their wealth, size, or celebrity. Make it personal-Jesus first. Then church. Don't confuse the two-that is why many blame God for their errors, when a church that has strayed from God is usually the cause.
Stay close to Jesus, stay in the word, and pray-all the time. Converse with God, and stay up to date with Him. And spend time in fellowship with others-you can never discount the power of the body when in the spirit.

Three things in life are for sure. You cannot have patience RIGHT NOW! You cannot brag how HUMBLE you are. And you didn't die on the cross for man's sins. Let the only one who did, and can, guide you. Grow in grace and in truth. You can't right click your way to heaven-it takes Jesus!

Why start at the end of the trip, when the ride can be the destination itself? It can be a long way to the bottom of the canyon. Trust God. Let's ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com