A common practice among many bikers is to polish their aluminum instead of having it chromed. Cheaper, you get a great shine, but it takes maintenance to keep it looking shiny. For aluminum, like many other metals, will lose its gloss if left without maintenance-aka polishing. Now on a bike, it can be time consuming, only because of the small areas and access to them. It looks great when done, but more time polishing means less time riding.
I am attracted to shiny tanker trucks. That is why when we come upon one while riding, I like to tip my helmet to him. It must take hours, or at least hundreds of dollars to make it shine, only to know that in a matter of weeks it will need it all over again. But for the short time I see it, I am thankful. For I get to see my reflection of what we look like while riding. A moving mirror. And when coming up from the rear, get a full frontal view, and then while passing, get a side shot. And with some ultra shiny tankers, we get a pretty clear picture of what we look like to the rest of those on the road. And I must admit we look pretty good, as to me the most beautiful bike is one that is loaded for a trip. And these momentary glimpses of ourselves reflect to us how we look, and how we feel. Big smile here.
But most tankers are dull, with only a fine oxidation between the aluminum and the viewer, but enough to ruin the shine. And negate your reflection. Maybe lack of maintenance, or the driver just doesn't care, but the tank is dull, and we can't see ourselves.
Sin is like that. It makes us dull, and also hides the shining glory of God from us. Underneath we are the same person, but that fine layer of sin keeps the glory of God from shining from us-the shine is there, just a little sin can hide it. But it takes regular maintenance, think of it as a spiritual workout, to keep us glowing. You see, God never fails to shine, it is us and our sin that dulls the shine. Staying in the word, effective prayer, church, and Bible studies keep us glowing. And just like the athlete who takes the summer off, you get out of shape and it is hard to keep up with those who stay in shape-physical and spiritual.
This dulling doesn't happen overnight, it is gradual, and too late when you are without shine. The promises of "I'll deal with it tomorrow," only make the film harder to remove. But God, once we repent, removes the film, and we can see Him clearly again. Only to begin the dulling process immediately. That is why the Bible tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Not to be saved, it is a gift, but to maximize our walk with God.
Theresa has some great pictures of us riding next to shiny tankers this last trip. I hope we are the same no matter the tanker condition. What people see of God in us is important, don't hide your shine under a film that needs to be removed, or a tank that needs polishing. Keep the shiny side up, and the rubber side down, and live as one with Jesus, and watch as the shine draws others.
Through a glass dimly, is how the Bible says we see God when in sin. Don't let anything ruin your shine, or hide God's shine from you. You may be the only glimpse of Jesus some people see, this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. I hope you do too!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
