Years ago at the Durango Tour Rally I met two corporate people from Harley Davidson. Buzz and Barbara-sounds like the captain of the football team and the head cheerleader. Not. The Motor Company had just been bought and they were going to revamp it, and its image. Get riders involved with each other, centered around Harleys. One idea was to start a riders/owners group, which became HOG-Harley Owners Group. Looking back it was interesting how a non-HD rider was asked for input, and despite some of my ideas, HOG flourishes today.
Inspired by HOG, other manufacturers have started similar groups, Triumph's being called RAT-Riders Association of Triumph. Rats and Hogs, some of my best friends, when all we want to do is ride. And in the early years, Triumph had some difficulties. With each new bike purchased, you automatically were a member. As I accumulated bikes, I also accumulated memberships. But not per the RAT president. And finally I called one day, and he confirmed I had owned five Triumphs up until that time. So as a favor, would set me up on a five year subscription-for free, they only gave the first year free at the time. Sounded good to me, until I started receiving five issues of their magazine each month. Instead of five years, I had gotten five memberships. I almost called, but figured, be happy you get the magazine at all. If only they knew me-one Mike can be enough in most cases, here they have five of me, maybe what they don't know won't hurt them.
We love to join things. And when we do, fill out an application. And even churches, with memberships, have you fill one out. Last time I wrote about Calvary Chapel not having membership, an assistant pastor from another denomination called me nasty names-maybe he thought I would join his church by being insulted. Wouldn't you like to see their application. But the application process for membership bothers me, and I can see why some don't join. The last church I joined, once I became a member, wasn't as nice to me as when they were recruiting me. And now I had a financial responsibility-truly membership has its rewards, this just wasn't one of them. And now since they knew about me from the application, the inner circle kept their distance-can't have any of them ex-sinners here, might give us a bad name. They never thought what they were doing to my name, oh well.
Imagine if you would, Jesus trying to join a church. First part, last name first, he could handle, but what about when they asked about his parents. Father-Yahweh. Huh, who does this guy think he is, the son of God? A good Pentecostal church would ask "have you been baptized in the holy spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues." No, not according to scripture, Jesus never spoke in tongues. Sorry, then you aren't saved. How would that make you feel, or Him?
Education background for ministry-no seminary background. Sorry again, we need trained people to teach our children. Other ministries to consider-greeter, no has appearance problem. Can't teach, preach, or greet-no qualifications. How about church cleaning? He emptied the church of thieves and scoundrels one day. Response-we can't have this guy doing this to our membership. These brothers give money tot he church. Hey Jesus, do you have any qualifications that would allow us to let you join our church? Only love, and a perfect record of no sin. Nothing we can use, huh? Thanks, we'll get back to you. And you wonder why so many churches are hurting today, Jesus can't meet their standards-religious standards. Good thing they didn't ask for references. Fisherman, anarchists, taxman, and at least here's one good reference-this guy Judas is a trained money handler. Poor Jesus, trying to be a Christian in a church world. Ever have that problem? And you wonder why some people say no when invited to church?
God's church is much easier. To join you must be saved. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is the son of God, and you're in. No initiation ceremonies, no questionnaires-just you as you are. Jesus will do the rest. Finances-give with a happy heart, laughing as you do. God doesn't need your money-note I once quit a national position in an international ministry because now that I had a title, I was told I would have to give financially. For many years I had voluntarily, I quit under that command. Next time someone tells you that you can write your own paycheck, remember this.
What if I don't believe like you do? You will, as we leave opinions out-and try to be like God, instead of making Him like us. He changes hearts, and it is a relationship-not a religion. Saved, you're part of the family. No dues, no envelopes, no prying questions. Just an encouragement to get involved, and grow in Jesus.
And unlike a RAT, no duplicate subscriptions. And I don't have to ride-although I can't see why you wouldn't want to. And unlike HOG, everything HD doesn't cost a Hundred Dollars. Freedom to be yourself, ride what you want, to grow in God, and go to heaven.
And you mean you haven't given your life to Jesus? Why? His club has no bounds-only love. You see while others were doing paperwork, He was with the woman at the well. Just imagine if she had to apply for her healing? Are you making others you meet apply for God's love? Show it free. Dues are already paid up in full. Be a great example of God's church, and you will never have to have a membership drive. Remember, just like in Acts-He will add to your numbers daily. Which leave more time to love-and ride. Now that's a club I'm glad I belong to. Membership does have its benefits.
love with compassion,
Mike
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