I love being among bikers. In fact most of the time I prefer them to any other group. They respect me, accept me as I am, and generally don't want any hassles, or to be hassled. And at rallies it is popular to see a shirt on one of these social rebels that says "does not play well with others." And we take the attitude that this leathered up, tattoo wearing, biker type is advertising that he doesn't mess with anyone, and usually is implied on a physical basis. But I have not yet encountered one who didn't return a wave, say hi, or talk motorcycles if you commented on his bike. For that is our common denominator, and although what you ride is important, that you ride gives you membership in the brotherhood. Yes, some don't play well with others, but they don't need the shirt to tell you-just look at the attitude-it tells more than any t-shirt ever could.
But it also implies that if he doesn't play well, that the others do. And that is not necessarily true. As a Christian biker, I know many rebels, in fact the only rebel shirt I have tells me I am a rebel for Christ. And I find even many hard core bikers will respect that-if you respect them first. Their version of the golden rule. Try that on your co-worker instead of preaching at him-see the difference. But to be a rebel, you must go against the norm-the accepted, the rules that govern whatever group you want to be part of. And rules don't set you free!
I had a boss call me a rogue once-a polite rebel, because I got things done, not going by the rules-but not breaking them either. I prefer fine tuning them. I didn't play well with others, and my customers appreciated it-I got 'er done, and correct, while others still were on the treadmill wondering what was going on. Like when they invent a better mousetrap, the mice get together and invent a better mouse. And the beat goes on...
Many Christians I know and respect don't play well with others. As well as some historic figures in the church. Imagine how many t-shirts Martin Luther could have sold. They would have lined up for them. 95 Theses Enterprises. I'd like to have had that concession. He really didn't play well with others. Yet he wasn't playing well with others who were in sin-he chose to stand with God. Try that-it really makes you a rebel. And look at the repercussions some 500+ years later. Playing well with those who are wrong is the problem-not standing by God. 40+ years ago Pastor Chuck Smith broke away from a binding denomination and followed a simple premise God gave him, teach the word, the whole word. To everyone-hippies, bikers, and the religious types too. And placed him in the very midst of the Jesus Movement. Not playing well with organized religion, but trusting God-what a concept. And the t-shirts-you still see them today, just bought one last weekend. "His offer still stands," the words over a picture of the crosses at Calvary. And Calvary Chapel flourishes today not because of Chuck, but because men chose to obey God rather than man. And like Martin Luther, how the mainline churches still talk about him. And many just don't get it. When maybe they shouldn't be talking-but rather listening to God.
And in my personal testimony, God is taking me places I never thought I would go-obeying Him and breaking away from a mainline ministry, and following the vision He gave me. Becoming what He wants me to be in Him, not being molded into where they think I should fit. You can say that maybe I don't play well with others, but that would be wrong. Following Christ will always exact a response from the religious. Remember, you are breaking their number one rule-not following their edicts. Remember your mother saying "if all your friends were jumping off a cliff would you follow?" And you would have, just to spite her, but really just wanted the freedom to say no yourself. God gives us that freedom-not found in religion, denominational boundaries, and organizational rules. In fact, the first rule you make generally ruins the freedom to be in the spirit, which is where God lives and wants you to live-not just visit. And sadly many who follow God outside or independent of an organization, fall prey to the murmurings of that organization. But I find one-on-one, they really wish they had the courage to follow their hearts-peer pressure no matter what form can be dangerous.
Today you may the chance to not play well with others. Stop and help the homeless guy while all others laugh. Treat an old person with respect. Offer to let someone in line ahead of you. Simple stuff. Christians-share Jesus with someone, and use words when needed, risking possible embarrassment. And to those stuck between choosing God and an organization-choose God. Twenty years ago, I caught a pastor lying from the pulpit. We made eye contact-he knew that I knew. But that is between him and God. But we left the church, finding lies in other areas-and certainly not love. When Theresa after 18 months felt the kids needed to be in church we went back-although I had grown tremendously in God-read His word-you may be amazed. And at the door, good ole Bro. So and So met me-"Mike, where you been?" as if I had abandoned the church, and I was going to be the soul he saved that morning. And I wondered, if he really cared, why didn't he call? But my answer told him in one sentence. "I had to make a choice between this denomination and God-and I chose God!" I can still see him standing there-probably thinking we don't need his kind anyway-HE DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS!
Trust God today. Ditch the rules, regulations, and unfair pressures that the law puts on you. Jesus died so you can be free in the spirit. So don't play well with others who want to put you in a religious bind-just love them. And remember you were once like them, and enjoy the freedom only found walking in the spirit. God's kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Love. Your brother as yourself, thus fulfilling the commandment of Jesus. Rise up in a relationship-not an organization. Never has being a rebel been so rewarding. Does not play well with others-but prays well for others. And only God will only really know...
love with compassion,
Mike
mathew25biker.blogspot.com
