Question-how do you blind a woman driver? Put a cell phone in her hand while driving. And then hope that they don't aim at you while riding. Yesterday morning within my first 15 minutes I almost got hit five times-by rude women on cell phones. It seems these inconsiderate and rude people are the most important people in the world, so get out of their way-or else. Then after almost getting hit in a parking lot, I jokingly said "thanks for not hitting me," to which her passenger replied, "well it was your fault, you was going too fast." Standing still in neutral, I was going too fast. In a parking space! The driver apologized as she truly was going too fast, and I accepted while her friend rushed off-to Bible study. Cell phone still clutched in her hand. Note-men are just as bad, but at least show respect to bikers. They wave with the whole hand, not just one finger. Which also left me wondering, who would want to talk to someone like that? Maybe she is upset because no one calls!
It is not unusual to see Christian stickers on the freeways around here, but I question what is their witness when speeding past me on a cell phone, or just driving poorly while on the phone. I am cell phone free. That shouldn't make me a target. Now we all are guilty of rudeness sometimes, but I am highlighting those who have stickers all over their cars telling the world as the narrowly avoid getting hit by them what great Christians they are. But like one bumper sticker says, "I have no problem with Jesus, it's his fan club I can't stand." Sad, isn't it. And true about some. But Jesus died for all, good thing He didn't make some us pass a driving test.
T-shirts, stickers, and banners tell a lot about us. Who or what we believe in. And my wife, the preschool teacher, has a banner ministry with her four year olds. They are taught about Jesus and to pray, and they make banners for me to take to those I see in the hospital. They are usually 3'x5' with a simple message-"Jesus loves you!" and signed by their handprints dipped in paint. Fun to make, fun to give away, and fun for all who see them. A get well card from the great physician's littlest ones. Many rooms have had them, and patients will take them from room to room when they are moved, and I have seen them hanging at home when released. A card that stays with them-one of encouragement and love. With Theresa's kids showing the world that you are not too young to minister to others. Aren't the older supposed to teach the younger? What about that old CSN&Y song, Teach Your Children?
But one in particular stands out, and has become somewhat of a legend where we used to go to church in Escondido. The kids and Theresa made one for Judy who was in a care facility after knee surgery. I made her close her eyes, and when she opened them I had hung the banner. She started to cry and was touched by the fact someone had remembered her in the hospital. And as she commented on all the little blue and red handprints, we both noticed a larger set of handprints in the upper right corner. Noticeable for three reasons-they were adult sized hands and much larger, they were a dark red, not a color like the others, and they had holes in the middle of them. Large holes as if made by big nails. And as we looked at each other, we both got it at the same time. They were the handprints of Jesus, all the way down to the holes where He was nailed to the cross. Somehow He had added His handprints along with the kids, to show His love. A get well card from the King of Kings! Who is with the kids at school each day, and this day decided to paint with them. Truly a banner that still waves to show us how much He loves. Like the
scripture says, "His banner over me is love."
The scripture also tells us "as you go, make disciples of those you meet." You may get only one chance to share the gospel today. Make it a good one. Put down the phone, the attitudes, and put on love. If you are going to advertise Jesus via a sticker on your car, make sure the product inside is the same one on the label.
And let me know if you go to the hospital. The kids have many banners of love left in them. Use their example of love to others to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. He found the time to die for you, and to send Judy a card-imagine what He will do for you, if you only let Him!
No wonder the kids were all drawn to Him. He took the time to spend with them at their level. Finger painting that day. Handprints of Jesus beats fingerprints at a police station any day. Drive safe-the life you save may be my own!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com