Groucho Marx, actor, comedian, philosopher, and game show host once was
quoted as saying “I would never join a club that would have me as a member.”
Somewhere in that statement is an abundance of logic, and common sense, except
it escapes me at this time. But having belonged to many clubs, groups, classes,
and churches over the years I can tell you the truth is in the belonging. How I
wanted to be a cub Scout, just to wear the uniform, but then got suckered into
selling peanut brittle door to door to keep the Cubbies going. Early use of
child labor, under the guise of scouting. Later in Boy Scouts, it wasn’t the
uniform, but the appeal of camping trips, and wild times with friends. Only to
suffer through troop meetings, more boring than pack meetings, and more rules to
camp by. We were supposed to be setting an example, and as we were called the
Pyromaniacs, we earned our title. I can still hear BH or Lello yelling “brush
fire, brush fire!” as the trail of jiffy juice took flame. Why would they get
mad at us, we were setting an example? Oh, they wanted good examples....sorry.
We were known for leaving the camp sight after the bonfire-forbidden, and for at
one Jamboree attacking another troop’s tent. In all fairness to us, they were
rather obnoxious, rich kids who when while we were sleeping in canvas pup
tents-remember the smell of wet canvas, were sleeping in Army surplus tents,
could hold 15-20 standing up! So we just had to cut the ropes, and watch it
fall. And their latrine, we learned to hold it all weekend, or water a lemon
tree, not them. They had a smaller tent, with toilet paper, and even a
flashlight. Which helped us see to bomb it with dirt clods when their troop
leader had a midnight run. As it collapsed around him and he called for his
troops, we were back in the canvas womb of safety. And while all the other
adults were seeking to find out and persecute the perpetrators, we all sat
quietly in the tent. While all the other troops silently thanked us-for they
too had been put off by this elite group of snobs, just didn’t have the guts to
do anything about it. I still am wary about midnight runs on camping trips, I
know that guy and his followers are out there somewhere. Would I join again?
Better question, would they let me?
I once was involved in a national ministry about motorcycles. I just
figured your were a Christian, said so on your back, and you knew how to ride.
Boy was I wrong. Soon I stuck out like a sore riding wrist, riding too fast,
too far, and expecting others to behave like Christians in public, or at least
among ourselves. But soon I was singled out, and when it was easier to ask me
to leave-fired after 34 years, and keeping known troublemakers, under the guise
of growth, I ask where are they today? I know where I am? I still ride, I
still minister, and I do it more than when under their rules. How bad can it
get, you ask? During one So Cal rally, we had more national evangelists and
people to our home for breakfast. A friendly break from formal events. Mike
and Dwight arrived early and cooked up a storm. We all had a great time, except
for one. Who had no part in the planning, and accused us of doing it for our
own recognition. The only people that had supported them, and even had them
stay at our home many times. Even had others whom they invited stay with us.
For our benefit? Who ministered to who that time? Would I join again? Better
question, would I ever be asked?
And so over the years, we find it easier to go our own way. And hopefully
it is God’s way. Which He kindly forgives us when we don’t, and blesses us when
we do. Paul had a problem like that to. When he wrote “I can do all things
through Christ Jesus, he meant if God gave him something to do, consider it
done-just do it. Long before Air Jordans. And that He gives us all the same
opportunities, just not the same things. But all He wants if for us to obey.
And if asked and we obey, in Christ, we can do it. Without Jesus, no way Jose.
You will struggle and fail. And your harshest critics will be there to help you
fail, never to succeed. Relying on yourself, you are nothing. I know, oh how I
know.
So when Paul wrote he was lesser but equal, he was. And so are we. Don’t
try to fill your day to keep God happy. He loves you no matter what. Remember
Jesus died while we were yet sinners. And your good works don’t get you more
love-remember the filthy rags mentioned in Isaiah? Could be the tent material I
remember so well. So listen to God, and ask. Then listen again, some more if
needed. You will find more enemies when you do, and they will be there.
Recently a man decided to get out and minister. He was going to change the
world, feed the poor, even shuttle them up to swim in his pool. Until one
threatened him, and didn’t play by his rules. He wasn’t getting the adulation
he desired, and now is gone. No commitment? Wrong, his commitment was only to
himself. As was the obnoxious troop, and those of us who bombed them. Sin will
always be sin-fortunately God will always be God, and Jesus will always be
forgiving. And it only shows me that obedience is better than sacrifice...on
all levels.
So when someone tells you the church is full of hypocrites, tell them it’s
not, we have room for more, and invite them. When someone criticizes you for
doing good, take it as a compliment. We are the church, and when they attack
us, they attack Jesus-head of the church. So be careful going out on your own.
We are all equals in God’s eyes, it is the rest of us who need glasses. And as
for being a Christian, and accepting Jesus Christ, it is the only club I choose
to join that would have me as a member. If I’m OK with God, can I be OK with
you?
And yes you can come in, you just can’t use the bathroom. Try the outhouse
out back. Membership, like knowing Jesus, has its privileges.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com