Remember the book that came with your new motorcycle, the owner's manual? Yeah, it was wrapped in plastic and you were told to read it. And of course lost it in the excitement? Well, inside among the warnings were some good advice. To make you enjoy your bike more. While at my physical therapy/torture session, they have a sign on the wall, on each wall in fact. An owners manual for your visit. After arguing with each one, I find it was there for a reason. Body and mind, but for me the soul, too. See what you think. Spiritual comments are mine. Good advice only works if applied.
1-NEVER SAY YOU CAN'T, BECAUSE YOU'LL DO IT ANYWAY. My knees still hurt from the bicycle, but after another 10 minutes of riding nowhere, now they feel better. A great warm-up exercise. Pride is a good motivator, but I find God is a better one. Fear of Him is the beginning of wisdom. Just might explain why some of us are so stupid. Every knee will bow to Him someday, make yours voluntary. Now, drop and give me 20!
2-NEVER SAY "IT'S EASY," BECAUSE WE'LL MAKE IT HARDER. I didn't have to read this one twice. Start me out in the kiddie pool, that's where the mom's are. No need embarrassing myself with the big boys. Yet. If you think you are really learning God's word, try Leviticus. And when you are done, explain it to me. Better yet, whatever God asks of you, do it. Sounds easy, rest assured, it gets harder the more you resist. If you are going to brag, brag on God. Pride goes before the fall. And His yoke is easy. I can show you the scars from not listening. Sound easy?
3-NEVER SAY I WANT TO GO HOME, BECAUSE YOU'LL JUST STAY LONGER. Remember two a days in football. Or when your pastor says this is the last point, ten minutes after noon, and you know he means another half hour. Exercise patience. After all you are a patient, right. Live up to your title. And when you have had a tough day and tell God "take me home," remember He isn't finished with you yet. And maybe your house in heaven is still being built. The six car garage with a house attached. And refer to #2. Life is not a sprint, but an endurance race. Be in it for the long haul. After riding 500 mile days, a 100 mile trip is easy. Just a note. And heaven is just one breath away.
4-NEVER LOSE COUNT BECAUSE YOU'LL HAVE TO START AT ONE AGAIN. My mother used to always tell us when she was knitting "don't talk to me I'm counting." And somehow all her sleeves ended up the same length. Because she didn't lose count. I keep my mental clock going when riding, and really when at therapy. Some exercises look easy, but don't want to do 22 when 20 is more than enough. Sin will make us lose count, how many of us have had to start again because of it. Don't lose sight of the things that count, like Jesus. Don't impress your therapist by not being able to count-they may remember that when figuring your bill.
5-NEVER COMPLAIN BECAUSE WE NEVER LISTEN. I'm sorry, what did you just say? Refer to #2. How many times have you wondered how many miles till I get there, and started whining. Only to find the next town just ahead. Self inflicted pain. The Israelites complained for 40 years, and never got far from home. And had plenty of food, manna. But still wanted to go back to Egypt as slaves-the food was better. Aren't you glad God says no to your prayers? Thy will, instead of my will. Why doesn't anyone ever show up for my pity parties?
6-NEVER ARGUE BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER WIN. A takeoff of my basic philosophy, Never argue with an idiot because you will never win. Know your opposition. Maybe that is why God gave us 10 Commandments, and not suggestions. And He doesn't ask for our opinions, or counsel. Think of the embarrassment He is saving you from if you listen. Stupid hurts, don't confuse stubbornness with endurance, or patience with delaying. And if I don't argue with you, well either I agree or you're an....
7-NEVER SCREAM OR CRY BECAUSE IT WILL ENCOURAGE US. Funny how the smartest people I know agree with me. And the stupidest, well, quit complaining. Boy how we love to control things. Only in God is His fullness found in our weakness. His pain, our gain. Weep with those who weep, per Jesus, and there will be joy in the morning-tears of joy. So agree with God. Plus tears blur your vision, ever try riding through tears. In LA? At rush hour? Another benefit of a full face helmet, they can't hear you or see your tears. And so they think you are ok, and may leave you alone. If you want to encourage your enemy, show weakness. And prepare for his victory. Or ask young David about meeting Goliath. Only nine feet tall with 12 toes and fingers? No way he can be as tough as the lion or bear David just killed! And he wasn't. Scream for ice cream, a better choice.
8-NEVER LOOK LIKE YOU'RE ENJOYING IT BECAUSE WE'LL PUT A STOP TO IT. Or "hi, I'm with the government and here to help." There is a freedom in Christ no law can limit, but yet legalism will quench the spirit. If those of us in the spirit appear careless, it is because we are carefree. Big difference. Show love, like Christ did. They couldn't debate it, argue with it, or dispute it. So they tried to kill it, and for three days claimed victory. But love covers a multitude of sins, and He came back. Enjoy being a Christian. What good is fun if you don't enjoy it? Plus the smile will make them wonder what you are thinking!
9-NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE IF YOU PASS OUT AND DIE WE WILL HAVE TO FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK. My therapist's favorite. Why is it never about me, and always them? Ever wonder why fewer tickets are issued in the rain? Would you want to get out of your dry car on a rainy day? It's a good thing that God made breathing involuntary, because some of us can be so stupid we would forget to inhale, or exhale. We are still accepting membership in the I'll Show You and Be Stupid Club, ask me for the forms. Oh, and you fill them out. In triplicate, no carbons. Still want to join? Try grace, and forgiveness. It is cheaper, and no paperwork. I find the best place for paperwork is the bathroom. The toilet, better than a shredder, too. Note-passing out will not get attractive therapist to do mouth to mouth. Big ugly dudes do it better, and they know how to find one.
10-NEVER LIE OR CHEAT BECAUSE WE KNOW THE TRUTH AND YOU'LL LIVE TO REGRET IT. Coulda, shoulda, and woulda are not words to live by. See membership opportunity in #9. Jesus says He is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Make no mistakes. Opinions don't count in heavenly affairs. Know Jesus, and know the truth. And it sets you free. Without Him you will definitely regret it. The choice is yours. And when you look around to see if no one is watching, look up, because God always is. Not to spy, but to protect. Love. A noun, and a verb. A person, and an action. A relationship for eternity.
And the best part is we are under grace, not the law. And God's laws are written on our hearts, instead of stone, or a cd. And while the law points to our failures, or sins, God's grace shows love, and mercy. And I'll add one more never. After reading this, you can never say you have not heard the gospel. You will have no excuses before God on judgment day, and no one-Jesus-to serve your sentence for you. He gives life, His, for yours. And He listens. Try Him now, and then listen for His answer. You may find you aren't arguing with Him anymore, and avoiding my number one rule. You, plus Jesus make a majority. Choose Him today.
And yes, after therapy, I can tell you the body is weak, but the spirit is willing. Now, where did she hide the Advil? Lord, HELP! I'm not complaining! Man, this stuff ain't as easy as it looks.
And as any biker knows, the shortest distance between two points may be a straight line, but the best roads take longer, and bring more enjoyment. Enjoy the ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
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