What do Warren Spahn, Yogi Berra, Duke Snider, and Willie Mays have in common? Yes, they are all in the Hall of Fame. But how many of you baseball fans would have guessed they all spent time on the New York Mets? You see Spahnie will always be known for "Spahn and Sain and a day of rain," as a member of the Braves. Who else will ever wear #8 in the Yankee pin stripes but Larry Berra? The Duke of Flatbush-never been another. And my favorite Willie-the Say Hey kid who made basket catches while other mere mortals struggled just to catch the ball. You see each one is not only known for who they are, but the team they played with. Think of the Giants-you see Willie. Think Brooklyn-the Duke. And that is why you most likely would never remember them as Mets. Even though that is a common denominator among them.
But out of uniform would you recognize them? Yogi, no problem-who can forget that round head and big toothy grin? Willie Mays, again that smile-always pictured playing stick ball with kids on the street-they sure would recognize him. Any time or place was a good time for a ball game. The Duke-saw him at Wayne's wedding, may be in his 80's, but still has that look. And Spahn, might be more difficult, but after a few seconds of glancing-those eyes and that nose would convince you of why he won more games as a left hander than anyone else. You see, in uniform or out, they were still who they were, and didn't need the uniform to make them identifiable. The Yankee pinstripes were just Yogi's work clothes, the Dodger blue Duke's blue suit for at the office. Willie's #24 seemed to perfectly fit his back, and opposing pitchers saw so much of the Braves tomahawk on Warren they realized he was in his work clothes, too-although to them it was more than work-a game and a love affair they were blessed to excel at. More than just another day at the office, a gift from God to excel at a sport they loved.
Today when I go to biker events, and many times just while out, I run into bikers with their colors on. CMA, BFC, BSHDFC, and others all representing the family of God. Many who actually serve in the ministry they have on their back, but some just part of the team. And I know John Ogden of CMA, Fred Z. of BFC, Marty of BSHDFC, and others who are heads of their ministries. And it is refreshing they are recognizable with and without their colors. They don't need to wear them to serve Christ, or even be a Christian. Or to be identified as one. These vests with back patches are their work clothes-out among the lost and needy making a difference. But for those who just wear the colors to show they belong-and many do-no scientific poll taken, just observances-without them the world would never know they are Christians. And that bothers me, because just like sitting in church doesn't make you a pew, wearing a vest doesn't make you a Christian, a biker, or a minister of the gospel.
It is something from the heart, that people see in them. It is what God refers to as fruit of the spirit-and when you are alive in Christ, walking in the spirit, you overflow with it, and cannot disguise it. God leads others to men like this, they don't have to go out and search for someone to love on-God sends them.
For some time I have been attending motorcycle events without my colors, and a funny thing happens. I still get to minister. God still sends those Lazaruses to me, and I am still blessed. And the same Jesus that lives in me with my colors lives in me without them. My question to you is, are you using your colors to be a Christian? Are you strong enough in your walk with Jesus Christ you don't need colors or ministry to hide behind or blend in with to effectively minister? Does your life at the end of the day reflect Jesus in your actions of that day?
For some time I have been attending motorcycle events without my colors, and a funny thing happens. I still get to minister. God still sends those Lazaruses to me, and I am still blessed. And the same Jesus that lives in me with my colors lives in me without them. My question to you is, are you using your colors to be a Christian? Are you strong enough in your walk with Jesus Christ you don't need colors or ministry to hide behind or blend in with to effectively minister? Does your life at the end of the day reflect Jesus in your actions of that day?
Just like the four ballplayers above, they may be recognized by their deeds on the field, but are the same men off the field as on. You see your values shouldn't change regardless of your uniform-so shine your light from within. You may be surprised at what other have been seeing, or saying. I am not anti-colors, they are a tool, but be a representative of Jesus Christ before any ministry. To answer a question put forth in a recent Heartbeat article, why chapters stray, that may be why your chapter is losing members, and not ministering as it once did. Is it about CMA, BFC, BSHDFC, or is it about Jesus? Keep Jesus first, and the only agenda. These ministries are not social clubs, although we are social. For like Willie and the others who are members of a hall, a Christian hall of fame awaits us-called heaven. And just having been a part of Jesus' team gets us in. But that doesn't mean God doesn't desire you to be an All Star.
As for your colors-if it is not in your heart, don't wear it on your back. But I pray that in all things you give Jesus the preeminence. Remember the colors/stripes on his back-might just put this all in a new perspective! Show all you come into contact with what is in your heart-and may that something be as someone-Jesus. Show love and compassion freely.
Jesus Christ-an All Star on any team, and a Hall of Fame member in any league, for any team. May He play in your heart-both home and on the road.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
*4 Duke, 21 Spahnie, 8 Yogi, 24 Willie