Bill was a very successful crew chief in off road racing. He had won
races, championships, and the respect of his peers in the racing world. Much
had come while being associated with one family synonymous with off road racing,
and although offers often came his way, he would shrug them off. But one offer
came his way he couldn’t say no to, and after negotiating, he made the move. He
was to have complete control over this new race team, and they had the desire
and also the money to be successful. They were newcomers not only to racing,
but to the software world, making their mark and making money had over fist.
They were achievers, had built the company from scratch, and were used to doing
things their way. This was the world bill was entering, and soon found out what
a big mistake he had made.
Many sponsors, myself included went on board with Bill, he was easy to work
with, and stayed with those he trusted. He taught his team mates to interchange
their talents, in case the electrical guy was sick, someone could step in. Same
with motors, suspensions, and logistics. He kept a firm hand on all, but
encouraged them to do their best, giving all the support they needed, and then
some. His team mates were all long term, with very little turn over, and many
at the races offered their assistance if an opening came open. But this season
was to be different, as the two men who raced had egos bigger than their bodies
could contain. It was all about them, Bill worked for them, and they were in
control. Yet they were totally out of control. They were the newcomers, and
instead of a learning curve, wanted it all right now, or else. Which Bill was
able to deliver-almost, they won some races despite not listening to him, tore
up the equipment unnecessarily, and cut corners when they thought the cost was
too much. And Bill almost brought them a championship their first
year-finishing second, a great effort for a new team. But they were not happy,
and berated Bill, sometimes publicly. He wanted out, but his contract for 3
years was binding, so he honored it. When asked about his first year with them,
he told me it could be summed up simply, the Golden Rule. He who has the gold,
rules. Bill was just an employee to them. And after 3 years was gone...and his
entire team left with him. With the racers wondering what was their problem?
He had brought home the trophy in their last year, they were on top. Why did he
quit? They quit? Losers, they thought...and they were, just not Bill.
Jesus tells us the parable about the lost sheep. 99 were found, he is
concerned with the lost one not yet found. Bill was like that, studying when
they lost, and going after that elusive win next time. As much as he enjoyed
the thrill of winning, it was in the losses he learned more, and although the 99
wins brought him bragging rights, he raced to win. Jesus was never concerned
about the numbers, but about the souls he came to save. Rather than brag about
the 99, his heart was set on the lost one, the one who wandered away, or the one
struggling. He wasn’t pleased until all had been found, all had been saved.
And if even just one sinner was left, he would have gone to the cross. Even if
it was just you or me. That’s love, that’s dedication. Something missing from
many churches today, that base success on numbers, and when achieving their
goal, sit back and celebrate. I asked a pastor one day at lunch, how was his
year. “Great, they had met all their goals,” and were basking in their skilled
accomplishments. They had won something, but were losers, as they had no heart
after that. Success became attendance numbers, giving goals set, and met, and
meeting their budget. But the church never grew, many left hungry, taking
others with them. They forgot that unless God builds the house, they labor in
vain. They didn’t realize they were the one in 100 Jesus died for, they took
their place among the 99. But never fit in, because they were not part of the
flock. Yet Jesus still calls after them today, they just don’t hear. Programs,
procedures, processes fill their meetings. Education above application. Too
bold to seek advice, they are dying and don’t know. They are on life support
because they have failed in the primary cause of making Jesus their Lord. They
had the gold, they had the rules, they never had the spirit. A form of
godliness, just no Jesus.
Bill went onto other teams and would win again. He learned a very
expensive lesson in those three years. So did the men who followed him. He
raced to win, and today we do the same thing. But to finish first, first you
must finish. Many die spiritually at the hands of a church where the spirit is
not welcomed. Some stay because that is where they got saved, they worship the
pastor, or love the special speakers or music. They study, read, pray, and
teach, but never give it all to Jesus. He is calling their name now, if that is
one of you, answer. Turn to Jesus, it is not about the church, it is about
Jesus, and we are his church. We are not above him, or equal-without him we are
just a gathering of like thinkers, without the spirit guiding just like another
social club. Or another business trying to make a profit. What good is it if
they make a profit, but never know Jesus?
We are in the race to finish. Some races are won from the start, some won
in the last few miles. That 1 lost has more attention in Jesus now because they
may be the last one saved, and then the rapture. The odds are against us, but
100% in Christ. Team Jesus, we may not win every race, but we never lose. And
our place is assured in heaven. A championship to be shared with all who join
the team. Money will buy a fine dog, only love will make it wag its tail.
Works in racing too, where it takes more than desire. And with God, it takes
Jesus. Remember the golden rule, and how you were bought with a price. More
costly than gold. Are you willing to follow Jesus after the 1, or the church
after the 99? We were all at one time that one....today we are one with Jesus.
Maybe that is why they call it the human race. And we race for other souls,
never satisfied until all have come to Jesus. I believe that makes me a
winner.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com