It was easy to identify bikers in the early '70's, they were the ones with the black leather jackets, unless you rode an English bike, then you wore a Belstaff jacket. Never heard of one, don't feel bad. They were a concoction of the British-the land of liquid sunshine and sun breaks. To ward of the cold and wet, they took a heavy cotton and dipped it in wax. And when they started to not repel water, you melted a candle on them, and then the musty odor from not repelling rain, combined with the candle wax would repel you, and others. And sometimes the rain. Did I mention they weighed three times as much, and stunk? Not for the faint of smell or stature. Much better, and without the weight and odor, black leather jackets were not yet readily available, Army Navy stores had surplus, and the occasional Harley store might one-they sold motorcycles back then, and hadn't become boutiques yet. You never found leather in a Honda store. They were the nicest people, and didn't ride in the rain or cold, we who wore leather weren't. Don't even ask about the Belstaff group. And if you found one you didn't have much choice, just the Brando style-so we all looked alike. And it got harder to tell all of us non-conformists apart because we all looked the same. The few, the black jacketed, the bikers. Never realizing that someday Harley would have a parts and accessories catalog bigger than the old Sears Christmas catalog. We grow older, just not up, the price and cubic inch of our toys the main difference.
About that same time long hair on men became popular. Looking at my senior picture, taken in the summer of '71, and then the one at my prom the next May, my hair had gone from just covering the ear, to inches below my ear-parted in the middle of course-as per the standard of the day. All seeking to be individuals, and again all looking the same. Even the rednecks, with their standard issue CAT-Diesel Powered hats wore long sideburns, as style erupted from out of their caps, which hid longer hair where crew cuts once lived. Again, the few, the bigoted, the rednecks. And we all could pretty well tell who each other was, our politics, and our morals just by looking at our looks. And when long hair, leather, sideburns, and a CAT hat combined you moved to the other side of the street when one came at you. Peace brother, before you became pieces, brother.
But more than styles, the attitudes were changing. And it was more all about me more than ever before. We just used the mantra about loving our brother, it was good for picking up easy hippie chicks. And before when we went looking for a job, you got interviewed by a guy high on Vitalis, and what can we do for him, now it was our same attitudes, but with sideburns starting to show, and hair just starting to touch the top of the ear. Things were changing, and soon we were asking "what can you do for me?" The answer-benefits. Now no 21 year old cares about retirement, and medical was not even in our vocabulary-we were going to live forever. But it was nice to say to those without them we had them, a point of superiority-even if we had to get sick or retire to use them. But things were changing-still, and still are today.have
The Bible tells us many are called, but few are chosen. And this applies directly to ministry. I know so many who when they get saved want to go to seminary-or think they have to. Or are afraid they will go to Africa-where do the Africans go? And even look at ministry as a career. When it is a calling, and is as close as your family, your first ministry. And is local, how many step over the Lazarus place before you on your way to your ministry?
Father Al tells me of a man who came to the Flight 93 Chapel. Seems he had a heart for this ministry, and since Father Al was looking for help, and a man to eventually turn it over to, he spoke with him. The man explained his desire to serve there, and how his heart was in it. All the things Father Al wanted to hear. But when he found out there was no pay, and what about benefits, discovered his calling might be somewhere else a little more mainstream, and seemingly secure. He was looking for a job, God was offering Him a ministry. You see the few that Jesus speaks of are called. We have been given a vision, and follow it. A desire so personal that to others they cannot understand it, and we seem careless, when really we are carefree-casting our cares on Him. Our salaries are measured in heavenly terms, and our earthly needs met by a loving God. Benefits-all that the kingdom has to offer. Like a Christian man once told the woman in the seat next to him on the plane, when asked what he did, he replied "I work for the world's richest Jew." She didn't get it, and after he explained thought he was crazy. Ever wonder why God has no line of credit? Doesn't need it. But this man was just crazy enough to follow a God that he can't touch, see, or hear-except in the spirit. One of the few, the chosen few who answer the call.
Today we have the few, the proud, the Marines. My friend Guy in the Hells Angels is a Filthy Few. And God is still calling those to come to Him. Many are called, but few choose Him. Whether in leather jacket and colors, or tie and jacket-he overlooks your style and desires to give you one just like His. A style that never goes out of style, and has always been in style. It is called love and forgiveness-two things he built into every person on earth, and that only He can fulfill. And without His peace, you don't have it. Despite the income, houses, job, and benefits-you ain't got it without Jesus! A peace not looked for as hippies, because drugs, sex, and rock and roll can't compete with God. But some let them compete for their soul, with disastrous results. When all they had to do was turn to God, and accept His peace. Many are called, but few choose Him.
So God has given us a choice also, love being not demanded by Him, just freely given. And I thank Him that I chose Him when called. For many are called gods by the world, and other religions. But I chose the few-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The only few that make a difference. A few like no others. With eternal promises offered like no other.
And we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and we even ride motorcycles-in black leather jackets, with long hair under our expensive Arais. But we have made the choice to follow Jesus-and don't want to turn back. But how do you tell us apart? The fruit-for the few that have chosen Jesus bear fruit in the spirit, fruit of the spirit. His spirit! Where before we were confused, doubting, and insecure in our beliefs, and it was all about us, now we show in our lives love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control. And the cool thing is there is no law against being like that! And you can keep your long hair, and your leathers! or your crew cut. And even your colors if you want. It is your choice! And finally be the individual you want to be, but never dreamed you could be. But it is sad to think there are those that turn away.
Jesus is calling you now. He chose you, and wants to bless you like you never dreamed. Will you let Him? A few of us have. The few, the chosen, the blessed-Christians. Being different never felt so good!
love with compassion, wearing my leathers, in ministry,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com