Friday, September 27, 2013

the wisdom of Julius Marx







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