Arriving at the dealership, I talked with the GM about the bike that was in
his ad. On the way to it, he bragged how his service department performed a 70
point inspection, changed the oil, and corrected safety issues, new tires if
past a certain wear point and was sure I would love the bike. From across the
room, the black bike shone, a sure 40 footer. But as I got closer, yes it was
shiny, yes it was black, but someone doing the inspection missed a few things.
Both forks had oil running out of the seals, puddling on the floor, not sure how
long this recent trade in had been sitting. When I turned on the key, the
battery was dead, the front tire showed excessive wear, and the “excellent
condition” recent trade in was far from it. When I began to mention those
things, I was told “that’s why it is priced accordingly,” and “we can fix them
all at my cost if interested.” At this point he had lost all credibility, but
offered to show me his new bikes, and offer me a great deal he didn’t offer
anyone else. I grabbed my wallet, covered my mouth, and headed out. The only
truth about his ad was the bike was black and it was shiny. Even the dent in
the tank facing the wall was shiny, wax residue still in it. His parting words
echoing in my ears, “don’t wait to make up your mind, someone will grab this
great deal.” Sadly, you know, he may be right.
When P. T. Barnum told us a sucker was born every minute, nothing attracts
a sucker like what appears to be a great deal on what he really wants, or thinks
he wants. An ad in Hemming’s this morning was for a 1964 Chrysler New Yorker
for sale. Excellent condition, original paint, no rust, always been inside
since new. Second owner, original. Now if you are going to make claims like
that, and back it up with photos, your words better be true. Yet from the first
photo, you can see rust below left front door. Yes the paint looked shiny, at
least from 20 feet, and the body straight. The seat covers looked good, and
then the detail pictures. You had me until then, almost. The left front inner
door panel showed corrosion and the chrome wore off the plastic. Turn signal
stalk pitted, too. The trunk was filthy, the spare had mud on it, under the
hood was filthy, with cob webs and dust everywhere, with a final photo of a
smiling widow pointing at her husband’s treasure. The way she looked was like
the car, no wonder she claimed it was excellent. Hide the mirrors, keep telling
her how beautiful she is, or was, and the only thing firm about the ad was the
price, $9000 firm. And 36 people are watching the ad, maybe interested in
buying it. I wonder if she knows the motorcycle dealer....
The fact is we are all getting older, maybe not old, but the Second Law of
Thermodynamics states all things are in a constant state of atrophy. Some are
more constant than others, and some further advanced. Jesus talks of pruning
the branches, to stay within the vine, and how we need to be pruned. Jesus is
the vine, and we are his branches, and if we aren’t pruned, we can get sick and
die. Sadly many are and don’t know it, even looking at them you couldn’t tell,
but from their prayer requests, you are told a different story. Like the vine,
just because it is green, doesn’t mean suckers or weeds have not woven in
between them, from a distance you cannot tell, but up close the difference is
obvious. Sometimes by actions, praising God in church, then cussing out the car
in front of you for not using his signal. Yet telling how great Jesus is in
their lives. They are like the ad for the Chrysler, based on their own
standards, which are based on opinion and being sentimental. In their church
setting they are holy, acting as prescribed, but outside in daily life they
portray a much different side. Yet when told they need pruning, violently
object, accusing their describer as being judgmental. To them I say “I’m not
judging you, I’m describing you.” They see a totally different self than the ad
they portray. But we all need pruning to grow, just as a car or motorcycle
needs to be maintained.
No one likes to be disciplined, or singled out, but in the end we are told
it brings righteousness. Paul may have watered, and Aninias planted the seeds,
but it will always be God who provides the growth. The spirit nourishes, weeds,
waters, and prunes our lives, so we can live a life more abundantly. Done in
love so we can be a blessing to others and represent the kingdom of God. Yet
some like the woman in the ad, or the motorcycle dealer are out to sell a
product, and their viewpoints may be jaundiced. I have heard some stranger
tales about Jesus in my time, being used to evangelize, and confronting them
afterwards being told “I’ll do whatever it takes to see a person saved.”
Personally, I am glad my Jesus doesn’t lie, and doesn’t have to. I am also
glad he saves and I don’t. My gospel can be strained at times, and I don’t want
to lead anyone astray. Or have them think they are saved when they are not. I
even questioned a pastor one day, about his telling his audience “you must be
saved to take communion.” He agreed it wasn’t scriptural, but was using it as a
tool to evangelize. Twisting scripture to satisfy an desire? Yet he is known
as a great Bible teacher. And wouldn’t buy a used car from him either. Jesus
is the truth. We don’t need to lie to help him, we only get in the way.
Maybe a self examination of the gospel you represent is in order. Where do
you stand with Jesus? Are you religious, meeting man’s criteria, or in the vine
with Jesus? We get haircuts and trim our beards, don’t our spiritual being need
care too? Or is it all about perception, and what the words mean, or you think
they mean? Personally I am a one owner, 1954 that needs body work. There are
scars, the mileage is high, and I need some work. My aorta is not a factory
part. I haven’t always been garaged, the wear shows, and from 20, make that 30
feet I don’t show so bad. But up close where it counts....seems the vines need
some care. Only Jesus comes as advertised. So remain in his vine, let him
prune and nurture you. The truth will set you free...until it is exposed in
pictures. Something to consider before your next selfie....the truth will still
set you free. It may condemn you. Jesus loves you as you are, he just doesn’t
want you to stay that way. Or like an old customer of mine used to say, “just
dropped my wife off at the beauty parlor for an estimate....”
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com