I heard yesterday that the Arabs who live in the US are all upset about the latest census. They aren't listed, and were initially advised to place their nationality as white. And that upset the hardcore, so now they have have joined the ranks of OTHER as many of us have. Yes, I am white, but an American, and that is my nationality, so like many others we mark OTHER, and write it in. So much for unity through diversity-that one never made sense anyway. And no I am not an Arab.
As a biker, motorcyclist, bike rider, or just plain rider, the industry has broken us into different riding groups. The latest fad among some riders is dual sport riding-been doing it for years. Then there are sport bike riders, been riding cafe racers since 1974. Cruisers-never quite got into them, but have ridden over a dozen in the past year, and have a Rocket 3 Roadster for this week's trip. And touring bikes-and although I have owned five BMW's, only one had a fairing set up for touring, and it only took a short 200 mile trip the short time I had it. And when confronted with being associated with a type of riding, I feel like I do about the census-I am an other. I ride 40,000 miles per year, touring across the US, but do it on a dual sport. We also use it for sport bike riding activities. I moved west 35 years ago on a sport bike/cafe racer, an R90S BMW. I have toured on 650 Nighthawks, 750 Kawasakis, and 955 Triumphs. None with a fairing, or bags, a tank bag doesn't qualify, or a radio, cb, or other sound device. Just me, the bike, and the road. And you know what, I don't want to be labeled or limited to just one type of bike or riding style. I have learned that simpler means lighter, which means better handling, easier to steer, better gas mileage, and more fun. I can choose any type road, not just get stuck on the freeways. The dual sport guys welcome me, as we talk about continuing after the pavement ends-I still haven't ventured very far like that yet. The sport bike guys and I talk about roads like the Snake-more curves than the Dragon, and less cops. Trendy has its penalties. With the touring crowd we discuss long distance trips, places to eat, and places to go. All riders, yet all the same, or is it all different.
You see it is all about the relationship with the bike. I know Gold Wingers who never go out of a 200 mile radius. That is touring to them. Then there is me who will ride 3000 miles in under 70 hours-coast to coast- on a sport bike. It all comes down to a relationship. And it is personal. And despite the world's desire to label us, we share a common denominator-we ride! That is what makes us unique, that is our common bond. We ride.
I am sometimes disappointed when I meet another Christian, and the topic of doctrines come up. Right away, they try to categorize themselves, or me. We go to a prophesying church-good. We believe in healing-good. We are missioned based-good. We only have one service-so. We have three-so? You see, pride is subtle, and only tries to bring out our differences, when we should concentrate on the common denominator-Jesus. Without Him, you are not a Christian. You may be hung up on the laws, like Baptists, the emotions like a Pentecostal church, or the liturgy of a Lutheran or Catholic service. But it is all about Jesus. So I try to keep it simple, and put Him first. I don't like legalism, it only kills the spirit. I get excited when singing about Jesus, but don't want a relationship based on feelings or emotions. I don't like the same liturgical meetings, I like the freedom in the spirit. So I choose Jesus, who is all those things. And more. No boundaries on freedom, or worship, or how we do it. Or where, or what we wear, or when. Like the choice of where, when, and how we ride-I have that freedom in the spirit through Jesus Christ.
Today is Good Friday. Which you have to have or you have no Resurrection Day-Easter. Remember that, and who that day is all about. It is not about your Sunday School, your new building, your robes, how often you meet, or what songs you sing. Those things only divide the brethren-it is all about Jesus! No theological discourses or opinions. Jesus! And you know what-you will experience a freedom and joy like never before. A love that has no denominational bounds, and an unending list of joy. You will be an other, when filling out the religious background form. But not just another to Jesus!
This weekend after church, I will ride my cruiser bike, on a tour, with my wife, on her basic Bonneville. Two-a couple who love the open road and the freedom found in it-no matter what you ride. May that freedom be only exceeded by the freedom you have in your relationship with God. What denomination are you? Christian-just a man who loves Jesus. And loves to ride motorcycles-all kinds. A Christian rider. Don't miss the blessings God has for you. And you ride a what? To where? See the difference? It's all about a relationship. It is all about Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
