Bob Dylan sang almost 50 years ago, "the times they are a changin'...." and those words are still contemporary today. But I could add that with the times, the people are also changing. And with that so are cars and motorcycles. And for those of us who resist change, especially for the sake of change, we are having problems.
Today the same computer geeks we made fun of, are the most sought after in the racing world. Traction control, computerized shift points, lap times, and other controls can be dealt with from the handlebars of your motorcycle. Where one time the addition of the starter button brought chaos to the old timers, now buttons for traction control, stereos, cruise controls, and accessory lights are jammed onto the handlebars. And when you need the right one, when wearing your winter gloves, it can be disastrous. And also, while some may brag that it makes for a better rider, I argue it makes for a different rider. Where we at one time learned how to ride through corners like a dirt tracker, now we push a button and it either retards the throttle input, or slight puts on the brakes-preventing accidents. ABS will keep you from skidding, but on recent adventure style bikes, can be turned off-for in the dirt there are times you need to skid, or want to, and it can't be over ridden by the computer. Technology takes over where once skills were required. Good for some, but any time you don't accentuate the skills, but make up for the lack of them, you have done a disservice to the rider.
At one time to start an old Triumph, you tickled the carbs until gas ran all over your foot, then pulled in the clutch to make sure it was free, then kicked it through once to make sure, and then after finding TDC, kicked with all your might, and it would start after 1-2 tries. If it didn't, well you may plan on being late for work, or your date. On the 2011's I have been riding, you just turn the key. And watch as the bike's computer makes its checks, being mesmerized by the tach or speedo needle make a complete sweep, then push the button, and ride off. No need to get your feet wet with gas, or no excuses for being late. And unlike the old bikes, put it into second and push, and dumping the clutch when the battery was dead, electronic fuel injection only works with electricity, so you cannot bump start it. And they call that progress?
And still it goes to back to basic fundamentals-gas and spark. You must have both or the bike will not run. Is the gas turned on? Is the kill button on? How many times have you been embarrassed by not checking the fundamentals? Only to have some wise guy say "hey dude, did you turn the gas on?" Or "is the key turned on?" But yet, when diagnosing your no start fiasco, we immediately panic, fuss and cuss, and forget what we have been taught and know to be true.
And our lives are like this also. We are in the Word, we walk with Christ and even tell others about Him. But yet the first thing that doesn't go our way, and we have a fit. Why do we have faith to pray for others, but are helpless in our own situations? Why can we remove the log in your eye, as Jesus explains, and not see the log in our own? Simply put it goes back to the fundamentals of sin-PRIDE! We lean on own understanding, God tells us to trust Him. We think we have the answers, and wonder "how could God let me down with all these people watching?" Maybe to teach you about humility. And I can tell from first hand experience, I rather be humbled than humiliated. I rather seek God, and follow His advice than be stuck on the side of the road. But when I am, I am glad He is with me there also, and ask Him what to do next. Fundamentals-even bikes and lives won't start without them. Or stay running like designed for very long.
So stay close to God. I can assure you that your faith will be tested today-thanks a lot , Mike. But God, who is trustworthy is with you. No start, how long has it been since your battery told you it was dying? Out of gas, how many miles have you travelled on reserve? You may have faith to trust God, but you don't have the smarts to listen to Him. How long since you prayed? Stay with the fundamentals.
The gospel is simple. Don't get led astray by questions you cannot answer. Do not let cults or cult types into your home. Don't be misled by nice young men on bikes, or kids wanting to give you free magazines. God warns you to not even wish them good day. It's in the owner manual, under 2 John. And watch, as the so called progressives try to tell you about a new gospel, or new revelation. There aren't any. Jesus is the same today, and will always be. It is us who must change.
Simple first aid, if it won't start-pray. If you are in trouble-pray. Lost, pray again. But make it a dialog, not a monologue, and then listen. You may find His advice, and instruction more valuable than many kick start attempts with the gas off. And God won't send you onto the next step until you have finished the first.
Gas on, key on-push button. The button will start the bike, but only when it has gas and spark. Is the spark missing from your life? Feel like you are out of gas? Spend time with God, before you have to seek Him on the side of the road. You cannot control your hearing, but can your mouth. Use both as needed-you asked, now listen. And enjoy a much better ride.
It's all in the owner's manual. And the Bible. The times are a changin', and so did Dylan. Don't you think you should too?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com