Think of a biker, and what image comes into your head? Think of a Christian and what do you see? But how about a Christian biker? Have trouble with that one? Me, too. Mainly because over the years, I have met so many different ones, that they are hard to stereotype. I have a friend who will ride 275 miles to have lunch with his brother, then ride back home in time for dinner. And I also have a friend who rides 20,000 miles a year, yet when he went on vacation flew, and rented a bike for the day-missing out on all the beauty in between, his high mileage all from local commutes. I know guys who are brand loyal, and others who are brand specific-riding whatever they want, not buying into a lifestyle that a certain brand represents. I know a friend who thought his Harley was smooth, until he rode my triple-now knows why his hands get numb, and he makes a lot of pit stops-they vibrate! I like the expression as cars pass my wife, and see she's a girl. Can't they see her license plate frame, "get over it, girls ride too!"
I know women who ride better than their husbands, and I know men who shouldn't be riding. Why do they buy a motorcycle that will do 140 mph, then never exceed 50? Or what about those whose radio has more power than the bike it is on? And prove it every chance they get! At least they can't see us laugh at them in our full face helmets, or hear us giggle over the noise. I find the better skilled riders on sport bikes, who have to use all their skills to ride a bike to its 180 mph potential, while others who never go over 50-can't hear their radios, make fun of them. And only use their rear brake-yeah, they know how to ride. I ride with people in group rides who would never venture out alone-only staying in a group, and never enjoying trying new roads, and only eating at chains like Denny's. Whose trip plans are made by exit numbers, not street names. But despite all our differences-we have one thing in common-the love of motorcycles! Many reasons we each ride, but all enjoying the freedom of the ride-just some pulling a trailer with a windshield to block the wind. And I don't mean their car! There is a freedom in riding found nowhere else.
And through CMA, I get to know many of them, and also visit many churches. And this really makes us a hybrid group. I know those steeped in legalism who are always reminding me of the laws to live by-and not enjoying the freedom they can enjoy in the spirit. I have seen men who make a six figure income direct traffic, while watch a janitor take a leadership role. I have listened to men quote Oprah, instead of the Bible-and follow her gospel because they don't want to hurt anyone's feeling. I have seen women lead their husbands, and not follow God's advice and wonder why their marriage suffers. I know Lutheran pastors who love the Lord, and even invite bikers, with their bikes into the chapel. I see pastors who encourage their members to minister, and get out from inside the church, and share Jesus-while others devise a plan just to get them in. I have visited a church where I was told I was unteachable because of the heretical teaching it taught-and became their enemy when I asked them "show where this is in the Bible..." But so many other brothers and sisters just show love in all situations-as Jesus says, and avoid doctrinal dissention, denominational heresies, and man made ideals to follow Christ. For the common denominator for the all Christians is Jesus Christ. Christians, a name first used to mock Jesus' followers, but a name we wear in love for the one who died and rose again, giving us eternal life if we believe.
Jesus and motorcycles-it don't get much better! A peer group that I don't have to explain either one. And that I can do with my wife, making it all the better-Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles! Don't be like the t-shirt that says "If you ask to ask, you wouldn't understand." Ask-the Bible says you don't have because you don't. And it promises nowhere that you will understand. But it does promise a peace that surpasses understanding. Maybe that is why I cannot describe why as a Christian I ride, and enjoy life so much. But try this. Psalm 37 promises us the desires of our heart. And when you make God that desire, well there is another instance I can't explain-for words would only cheapen that relationship. I have that peace in Jesus Christ-who I have made the desire of my heart, and who allows me the freedom to ride-only surpassed by the freedom of the spirit-made manifest in a life led by Him.
Or as we say in CMA-Riding for the Son. We don't have to, we get to. Now that's freedom!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biekr.blogspot.com
