Jack Nicholson explains freedom best to Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider. He explains in a few sentences that the red necked/short sided bigots aren't afraid of him, but what he represents. Dennis is too stoned to get it, and sadly the message has been lost on many over the years. Whereas many look at freedom as in a freedom from, you can also look at it as a freedom to. A freedom to be yourself, to express yourself, and a freedom to become all you can-or all you don't want to be. And like the sticker says, "Some have therapy, the rest of us have motorcycles."
But for some reason we fear freedom. For with it it brings a note of responsibility, and a note of respect with it. And what if you are freer than me? Meekness, the Bible calls it, is being in a position to do the right thing, but doing something better. Forgive, where you don't need too. Give when it is not expected. Acknowledge when it is easier than to ignore, and being obedient to God when the choice is up to you.
"Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty," scripture tells us. Not programs or policies, but walking in the spirit. Not the church, not the word, not legalism. No denominational barriers. Jesus. A few years back, Jamie Buckingham, then editor of Charisma magazine was healed of cancer by God. Confirmed by doctors, he was on a Christian program, who interviewed him, wanting to know what special prayer, what preacher, what service, or what church had healed him. His answer each time, was "all I know is Jesus." But yet, the interviewer became weary, and then suspicious, what no plan of attack? You mean you just prayed, and God healed you? YES!! Sad, but the unbeliever will take this man at his word, while the "church" type man looks for physical evidence. Surely God couldn't do this by Himself? Surely-he's wrong. Just Jesus? And I watched recently as a man asked about my ministry. He didn't get it that God meets my needs. He gave all the things he did priority in his effort to please God. But failed, if only he had asked God what God wanted. And he almost seemed jealous because in my simple obedience, God had blessed me more-at least according to him. To him, Christianity was "Jesus and..." you can add your own words. When Mr. Buckingham had it right the whole time, "all he knew was Jesus."
And just like Jack explained to Dennis, the world is afraid and hates something it cannot control. And religion is afraid of something it cannot control. Many say they profess Christ, but feel they have to add to it. Jesus and works. Jesus and penance. Jesus and 40 Days of Purpose. Jesus and something-but not Jesus by Himself. They need something to hang onto, when the Word plainly tells us we walk by faith, not by sight. Faith being trusting God, when sometimes there is no evidence of Him. Where your spirit bears witness to His. Personal, intimate, and done through an obedience of love.
Maybe that is why I love being on the road so much. When you are traveling, you are what you are right then and there. Just you, the bike, and the road. Meeting other bikers, it doesn't matter if you are a doctor, or being treated by one. Whether you have 83 months to go on your latest bike contract, or if you paid cash. Or what brand of bike you choose. No yesterdays are remembered by those you just encountered, just like no sin is remembered by a forgiving God. The common denominator, but not the equalizer is the road. Not equal, because although the road and opportunities may be, it is what we do with them, and where we let it take us, that makes us unequal. Just like God. Some choose to walk with Him, some just walk. Some live by rules, while we have morals. God looks at us in a perpetual right now, forever. We carry baggage, and sometimes insist upon unloading it on others. Freedom is not unloading your burden on others, but giving it to God. Who will deal with it for you. And give you a freedom that only He can give.
And to those who question your walk with Christ, you will appear careless. How can anybody not worry? Surely Jesus, or at least the church needs people like us to help? But the truth is, what appears careless, is really carefree. Burden free, having given it all over to God. No tethers attached, not bungeed to the bike where you can't see it. And not dumped off on someone subordinate.
That is the freedom Jack was talking of, he just didn't realize it was only found in Christ. And even when they tried to kill that freedom, by nailing it to a cross, it resurrected itself-as only God can do! But some still try to kill the spirit in us today. For they wish to think they know better than a loving God.
Trust God! If you want to freak out your pastor, tell him you trust God. When the bills are overdue, the doctor tells you the "C" word, when your spouse tells you she isn't in love with you anymore, trust God. But trust Him before the calamities occur. For life, like your ride, is a series of right nows put together to form your life. Right now, be right with God. And find the roads better, the food tastier, the fellowship better, and your spirit freer as you follow God.
Your life will say more about who God is in it than any words. Freedom in Christ, and from religion. Traveling through life enjoying any road you are on. That's freedom, a liberty only found in Christ. Be free today-and enjoy the ride of your life!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
All I know is Jesus. Anything else is a burden.
