It is a sad rule of doing business that stores will close. Going out of business sales have been going on as long as there have been businesses. But in the last few years, it has become epidemic, with the empty store fronts in malls and lining downtowns advertising a scary economic outlook. And every type of business is effected. In Orange County in the last 12 months, five motorcycle dealerships have gone under. With the only real final benefit to their customers is their going out of business sale. A time for us to buy things at greatly reduced prices we normally wouldn't. I really needed the flowered tank cover for my bike, yeah! And many times when they say liquidate, they mean stock, shelves, and racks-everything! And the closer the closing day becomes, the better the deals-but of course the lesser the variety.
And I have purchased many things I don't need, or wouldn't normally buy, because the price was right-too good to pass up. Seems everything has a price that seems like a bargain. And have heard many about to be unemployed, short term employees say "if business had been this good we never would have had to close." Not realizing every sale now was probably below cost, just to clear it out. And although the atmosphere is fun with the big discounts, driving by the empty store next week only leaves memories of where we hung on rainy Saturday mornings, or bought our new bikes, or watched as they were serviced. Times hanging with fellow riders, whose next ride will be to find a new hangout. Voids created on many levels, never to return. And even though we may find another store, it somehow isn't the same, and the discounts we got aren't worth the price we eventually paid.
I have never heard of a business that was set up to fail. The hopes and dreams of the store owner start out big, but somehow dwindle due to economies, poor management, bad timing, or just because it is a poor business. When attending court last week with a friend, whose son had a DUI, the halls of the court were lined with people. Some remorseful, yet some still stupid, describing stupid cops, or bad timing, when it was a bad decision they made to drink-theirs! Talking with two young guys, nice enough men, I said "look down the hall, everyone here represents a family that has unnecessary turmoil in their life because of drinking. The cost in the tens of thousands of lost time at work, and add in court costs, and maybe losing their jobs, can you explain to me why that drink was that good?"
And neither one could, but both were wanting to talk. "You're a Christian, aren't you?" When I admitted to it, I also asked if there was anything I could do to help. And found they had a lot to say. Peer pressure, anger, boredom, too much time on their hands-you name it, they all were sad excuses. And I left them with this thought, "have you ever met someone who had problems and drugs or alcohol solved them? Have you ever met a loser who drugs or alcohol turned into a winner?" And hopefully they think about it, before a next time occurs.
"It's only wine, or I have a designated driver. I can control it." How can you trust a fellow drinker, but not God? I tell people I choose not to drink. I would never be able to forgive myself if my family needed me and I couldn't be there because I had been drinking. Think about that next time you need a drink.
And this message isn't only for those non-Christians. People expect us to act like Christians, and not drink. No excuses-serve the bottle or serve God. Or like the hundreds in the hall that day, every day, who will end up before a judge. Where all will hear of your sin. Where it becomes public record. It isn't just personal anymore.
Like the business going under, there was a turning point they saw that the business was doomed. Don't reach that point in your life with drugs or alcohol. Call out to Jesus now, repent, and ask for His help. Before the out of business sign appears in your life. And it takes your family with it.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com