When growing up, I'd like to think that I was as normal as any other kid. And that included hiding magazines under my bed-really between the mattress and box spring-so that my parents wouldn't find them. Not Playboy-I got that one, and not the car magazines. But the forbidden fruit in my magazine library was anything to do with motorcycles. While other kids were busy hiding various skin mags, I had to hide Cycle, Cycle Guide, Cycle World, and the various smaller trade mags that were popular. And while other teens dreamt of Playmate of the Month, I dreamt of Mach III's, Commandos, and CB750's. And was I ever a sucker for the ads.
Remember the Norton girls, always dressed in a skimpy, yet stylish outfit the same color as the bike? Who could resist fast girls and bikes? Harley showed us the Night Train, and ways out of town-even a mini-bike called the Shortster! Triumph told us we were enthusiasts, and needed their bikes to appreciate handling. You met the niciest people on a Honda-and in your wildest dreams, dreamt of a girl who loved bikes as much as you! Did you ever Solo Suzuki? I remember the ads on WABC radio, with Cousin Brucie, or HOA-Herb Oscar Anderson making motorcycle noises after the theme song. But for most of us, the thrill was in the words "some day," as my parent hated them, and I was still too young to get one and move out. So here I was stuck, noticing girls, who didn't like being noticed, and noticing motorcycles-two forbidden fruits. The fact that one older kid told us that riding was almost as good as sex, and you could do it more often, only made the illusion grander, as no one I knew had done either one. But after looking at the ads, girls would have to wait. Sadly, so did motorcycles.
I rode for about four years before my parents realized I was riding Ricky Schill's bikes. I guess they thought I was the world's oldest four year old, as I came home muddy, dirty, tired, and worn out-but excited every night. Getting my first bike as a senior in high school though finally elevated me to cool status. I had been a jock-now I could find a way to get out and enjoy life-and not have to deal with coaches, practice, rules, and locker room pranks. I had freedom-I was riding!
But the commandment-honor thy mother and thy father that your days shall be long bothered me-ok, only a few minutes after I got saved. Was I really disobeying them, and causing dishonor? Would it shorten my life? I love them, but loved to ride too-so took off riding, realizing that as parents they had a responsibility to love me no matter what. Try that one today! And I beleive God has honored my choice.
I found an out. The Bible tells parents that they are not to provoke their children to wrath! God was cool, He must love motorcycles, and He understood. And it was a good example of how many interpret the Bible. They search scripture, then find one that appelas to them, and then follow it. Just the opposite of what God wants, but that takes repentance. You see, we are supposed to change, not Him. We sinned, not Him. And we turned from Him, not Him from us. The truth is-we need to change to be like Him! Just like scripture says to do!
And reading the word like this, will change your life. You may get bogged down in Leviticus, but there is joy found in Jesus fulfilling all those laws. And a freedom in walking with Him, that comes close with riding, but won't get you into heaven, or forgiven. Sorry, but going into turn 3 too fast and beng scared and seeing God is not a spiritual experience. But giving your heart to God is. And watching as He changes your life, and fulfills desires in you-some you had, others he just told you about is exciting.
Maybe if the guy who wrote the Norton girl ads, did a Bible ad. Talk about sin and murder in Genesis. Talk about harlots in Joshua. Shipbuilding in Genesis. Kings, Chronicles, and Samuels tell some of the bloodiest war stories ever. Murder talked about in the four gospels, betrayal and lust, and finally Revelation-where you get it all! Science fiction has no chance against God's truth!
So to all you rebels out there. Sneak the Bible into your room tonite. Read it. And be bold, leave it out where your wife or parents can see it! Blow their mind by giving your heart to Jesus!
It's about time we took the word out of the bedroom and into the living room! You read what? You ride what? Jesus who? Jesus and motorcycles-it just don't get any better. Don't believe the ads-experience Jesus yourself. And read the book-before it becomes censored! Can't have all that sin in one book you know. The Bible-still the all time best seller. Just don't let your parents catch you!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com