As I visit with other pastors and those who minister, a common theme lately is we comment that we never know who is listening. And we don't, and as Christians we should care more about what people see in us and how we react to situations. And because they also listen to our words, we should choose them carefully-as they can lead someone to salvation-or to heresies that sound good, but lead to destruction.
I enjoy bench racing. I love to hear the stories of trips taken, bikes ridden, and 3000 calorie meals eaten. And inevitably the conversation turns to speed. Listening yesterday to a man tell of how his custom Harley engine was so fast it would spin his rear wheel-he thought his clutch was slipping, made me look at his rear tire. It was bald-not in the middle like it should be from spinning, but worn out altogether. And I laughed to myself, just like I do about the 150mph Sportster in Maryland. A legend in his own mind, and to the gullible and unknowledgeable who fall for it. It also made me reflect on another guy I know who after dumping thousands in his Road Glide, it would only do 115 on the speedo-I know I rode it. Downhill, to achieve that speed, something the Daytona I rode would do in third gear, with three speeds left to go! And lastly I talked to a man who had put a 250 series tire on his bike to increase handling. When I questioned it, he explained that even after lowering the bike by 2", he never ground anything, and used all the tire tread, so it must be handling better. Note-the tread was so wide it was flat on the ground, not curved like other tires. While parked it was using all the tread. This guy was good, and confused. If that were true why don't superbike racers use them? And having ridden bikes with a 250 series rear tire can attest to the fact they are harder to steer. I wondered what he had been riding before, or if he ever leaned his bike more than putting it on the side stand. I walked away-as it can be dangerous waking up a sleepwalker-or sleeprider.
And I can go on with other tales, just as suspicious. Or at least questionable. You see I know people who race, who design header systems, who build world land speed engines and bikes-all industry recognized for their successes, so when I want to know I ask them. And they assure of what is-what happens on the dyno, and what type of power can be made, and better yet what it takes to make it. And I find that 125 on the speedo can be as low as 100mph on the street-and how Trophy trucks can only run 140 in the dirt due to tire slippage, while the same engine in a NASCAR racer will do over 200! I learned that a wider tire makes it harder to steer-I can attest to that myself! And I can attest to going 136, clocked by VASCAR, and have been 155mph on my FJ1100, ran into rev limiter in fifth, and per Yamaha the bike is speed governed to 155! Go with the truth-because some day you may be challenged by someone who knows, and you can and will look ridiculous. Don't ask how I know that-I do! On the track, or on the street, when called to prove your claim-there will always be someone faster, just looking for someone not as bright, and definitely not as fast to take advantage of. Best not bring your pink slip, or you could be taking the loser cruiser home.
The same is true with Christians. Speak the truth, not some opinions. Every once in a while a new book comes out, and when praised by the secular media, the Christians flock to it. Not realizing that even though it is Oprah approved, it is heresy. It's a best seller, must be true. But never asking that question. And then not content to follow this lie themselves, recommend it to others-who may be weaker in the faith and find a kind of false truth among its lies. Such books are out there, and the emerging church-New Age in a different label is out to steal souls. That's Satan's agenda. Sounds good, but goes against scripture. And beware of so called Christian bookstores, as even I have found a Berean bookstore who has an emerging church section. This manure has no place in a Christian's life, and where being shutdown by someone faster may cause embarrassment, these lies can have eternal consequences.
So God has devoted much of the New Testament to warnings against false teachers, that is exactly who writes these books. And He tells us in 1John 4:1 to test the spirits to see if they are of God. God loves us to test Him, so He can prove Himself. And recently when I received an e-mail, recommending a book that has been universally panned by Christians, and tries to substantiate it-I take exception. You see, that person may be saved, but in saying it is OK to read this book that denies the deity of Jesus, who refers to God as genderless, who soft pedals sin to the point of saying there is none, and saying God will make Himself like us-we as Christians need to stand up and say enough. And then tries to substantiate it by saying it is 90% accurate, makes me question anything else he says. His witness is damaged by not telling the truth. I have tried to address this brother in love, and hope he repents-this is dangerous stuff. And if he doesn't, move on away from him, as he is living in sin. He is spreading lies, not gospel. He is like God says, a dog returning to his own vomit, and also warns of a millstone being placed around his neck. Think of the Mob and concrete shoes-no thanks. So test the spirits-and ask of God-He will guide you.
And I do this risking censure from other well meaning, but ignorant ones who spread lies from time to time. I have been called unteachable, because I trust God's word, and not their fairy tales. I have lost friends, and fellowship because of staring down a lie-only to see the destruction continue until they move onto another group, leaving behind hurt, confused, and lost souls-who because of being allowed to believe a lie are hurt. Relationships severed because no one challenged them in the truth. No one loved them enough to tell them that they were being lied to. Don't want to hurt their feelings. We need more men and women of God to take stands for the truth, and let God reveal the truth to them, as He does to us. For He stands with us, we are not alone. It is called love-if others can do it for a lie, we should be able to do it for the truth.
And never say "Mike says." I will state opinions about bikes, food, and trips, sometimes just to get a rise out of someone-but when it comes to God only the word is acceptable. Go to it-and if I am wrong, call me aside and show me-If I have a fear it is of a millstone for leading someone astray. But if I am right, continue to pray for me, so I can have wisdom when needed. "God says" is a much better person to quote. It is written...
And if you have questionable books in your house, get rid of them. They are dangerous-rip them up and throw them away so that no one else gets their hands on them. Be trusting only of God, not what man says. As a servant of God I love being questioned, as does any teacher or pastor. And so does God, so ask Him, and He will answer you. But be prepared for His answer to be different than your feelings, or desires, or even denominational doctrines-which often run in opposition to God's word. Get out and love someone, and listen to their words. They are listening to yours. So speak the truth.
And if you happen to be going over 100 mph and pass me, with your rear tire spinning out of control, using all of the tread available-don't lean on me-but lean on Jesus! He is the only thing under control in your life at that time! And when it comes to the truth, remember He is the truth-and will set you free.
Want to go fast-talk to someone who has. Want to go racing, hang with racers-those who win. And if you want to know Jesus, hang with Christians, and ignore the world's input. Oprah may be a wiz on TV, but knows nothing about salvation. Test the spirits-the life it saves may be your own!
The final exam of life is who do you say Jesus is? Thou art the Lord, the true son of God is the correct answer. And God's reply-well done my good an faithful servant. See you in heaven-if not I know why.
love with truth and compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com