Some time ago, a friend of mine dropped his bike off at the dealer for a
pre-trip tune and check over. An experienced rider, he takes very good care of
his ride, but when he came to pick it up, something was different. A big
touring bike, he noticed one bag was shinier than the other. The windshield was
too clear, it was new. And various parts and pieces on one side had been
replaced. No one said anything to him, but something wasn’t right. So
confronting the owner, he was told a tech had dropped the bike off a lift, an
accident. And they had repaired everything damaged, no charge. But there was a
problem, they hadn’t been up front with him, and if he had not noticed, they
would not have said anything. Now do you think they were stupid enough to think
he wouldn’t notice? So after so terse negotiating, they did the right thing,
for a change, and he ended up with a new bike and some special arrangements.
Much better than going to court, and the dealer losing there, too, as he could
have lost his franchise. But the question remains, do they think no one was
going to notice?
Theresa and I love riding in the south. And on one trip, went to
Clarksdale, crossroads of the blues. Now like many old southern towns, when the
old road became a four laner, it moved many businesses, leaving the old section
to erode quickly. Now the old section has Morgan Freeman’s juke joint, the
Riverside Hotel, and where we stayed The Shack Up Inn, the old Hobson
Plantation. But most of the old town is very old, but coming into town on the
new four laner didn’t know that. It was only 100 degrees, with humidity to
match, and you wonder how anyone could live here without air conditioning? Yet
we were on the Tiger, but managed somehow. Until we saw a Wendy’s, and our need
for a Frosty outweighed all other choices. Going in, the AC felt great, and we
ordered one each. Sitting down, we noticed we were the only riders there, must
be the helmet head, but it was then that Theresa leaned over and whispered
“we’re the only white ones here.” Thinking quick, I responded, “do you think
they noticed?” As Clarksdale like most of the south is black. And no it didn’t
matter. Just not a regular road event for two homogenized So Cal riders. By
the way, the Frosty’s were great.
Although tis has never happened to me, I hear stories of people late for
church, speeding, then getting pulled over. I don’t think I would have the guts
to say “I’m late for church,” but I bet many a cop has heard it. But what about
those with Christian stickers on their cars, cutting us off while riding? Is
that how they want to get noticed? Do they think that is an effective witness,
driving like a maniac, yet covering it up with a sticker? Yet many do. for
they wish to be noticed, but not held accountable. My take is, and still is, if
you tell someone you are a Christian, I expect you to act like one. Not holier
than thou, but how about some courtesy? Respect? Works for Aretha. How about
some kindness, compassion, being friendly? But yet many hide behind stickers,
or quoting scripture. Which is a foreign language to many, but yet kindness is
universal. A smile is understood in all languages, and we are not at all
impressed by your actions when they don’t match your sticker. But even worse
are those that show a public display of being nice, only to revert to their old
ways when with their peer group outside of church. So I have made it a point to
act in church like I do everywhere else, instead of the other way around.
Church folk have their own language, that those in the world don’t understand.
And by separating themselves from the world, can be misunderstood. It is true
we are in the world, but not of it, yet look at the Apostle Paul, who made
tents, yet was part of the Sanhedrin. He tells us he became all things to all
men, so they would hear the gospel. He showed love by being out among the
people, and being a witness. Just like Jesus did, with the fruit of the spirit
showing in his life.
How many times have you heard, or noticed there is something different
about that person? More than helmet head, or carrying a Bible, there is
something about them. They are courteous, like when I sit in there spot in
church, they sit next to me and welcome me, rather than asking me to move. They
hold the doors open, let my wife go first. Just like gentlemen do. When
questioned once about treating a woman like a lady, I appreciated the
compliment, they are few and far between. But it gave me a chance to explain I
did it not because of who they were, but because of who I am. Just like Jesus
loved us not because of who we were, but because of who He is. Maybe that
something that is missing in your walk. I have found that dealing with people,
they are more impressed by how you care, than how much you know. I rather be
known as someone who shares love, rather than just quoting scripture. Put some
talk into your walk, and the other way around. I am continuously amazed at what
I learn by listening, and how others are more impressed with my answers when I
have listened to them first. If you have to tell someone you are a Christian,
something is missing. So whether you are getting your ride fixed, traveling in
the south, or attending church, be different, show God’s love. Be kind and
listen, speak their language, so they understand. Do you think anyone will
notice? God does and will. You will find that as a stranger in a strange land,
you will get closer to Jesus, and experience more of what He did. He was never
late, yet He never rushed. He always had time to listen. “Honest officer, I’m
late for church” is not an effective witness.
It is the little things that seem to go unnoticed, except by God. But it
is the little kindnesses that can make someone else’s day. When you go to sleep
tonight, thank Jesus for getting you through another day. And don’t be afraid
to ask Him “do you think anyone noticed?” His answer may surprise you.
Goodness and kindness-there is no law against them. Don’t brag about what a
great Christian you are, show someone.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com