Fakes, shams, charlatans, wanna-bes, and pretenders. We all know them, those who pretend to be something that they aren't, trying to achieve a status so as to be accepted. In the biking community we call them posers. And to those of us who really are, they are easily spotted. Which is where the saying $20,000 and 20 miles don't make you a biker comes from. It shows. You just can't see it because you don't know what to look for. And the world of the biking community is filled with them. Where have all the custom, chopper buyers gone? I've never been a chopper fan, just don't get the look, although I do like bobbers. And I never found pleasure in riding something that was uncomfortable, took four lanes to turn around in, and was vastly overpriced. And it seems all these $50,000 plus social expressions are now for sale-cheap. Get one while you can, before they're gone-and a new group of posers show up.
I find the same thing in sport bike riders, go up any popular hangout on Sunday morning, and you can tell the ones who ride, vs. those who are pretty boys. One look at the sides of the tread on their tires tells you if they ride fast or not. If the sides are worn more than the middle, they are the real thing. New leathers don't make you Kenny Roberts. Or a new Yamaha either. It seems everyone who rides is looking for an individuality by belonging to a certain group. To me, the true outlaws, outside of the 1%'ers, are the ones who ride because they love too. An intensity that shows past their worn leathers and standard ride. Who have done things to their bikes to make them individual, the custom word would never be used here. Guys and girls who ride because they have the spirit of the open road in them, and can't describe the freedom in riding, because they don't understand it. It goes much deeper than words, but take one ride with them and you get it. For some things are only lessened when trying to use words. The ones who know don't try to explain-it's that personal. It is called passion.
Being out and about in the biker community I spend time with people who ride. Talking with two guys on custom bikes-they were young guys who had put together their bikes from parts from others-function before form, but knew the canyons in Malibu, and their tires proved it, they rode no matter what their ride looked like. And it takes all types, some who are in the way, and some who you wish would get out of your way. We know who you are. If you don't know, ask us-we'll set you straight. And we all ride at different levels, with different people, at different speeds, on different roads. But we all ride, the difference is in our hearts.
Not much different than people who go to church, and even call themselves Christians. I was told recently that I was intense about Jesus. At first I wasn't sure what that meant, but Theresa explained to me it was a compliment. For what was seen as intense, is really a passion. A passion for Jesus Christ. A passion that as I get closer to Him, cannot help but show in all aspects of my life. A passion that cannot help but come out of me, because it is me! So I ask you, if you call yourself a Christian, are you ever accused of it? Is it your words or your actions that might get you accused? Is it a vest, a membership in a club, knowing a pastor, attending a church, or knowing someone who does all the above? Guilty by association, but never present. Do you quote Oprah more than Paul? Are you known in the Christian community by your attendance or by your fruit? Stop and self examine yourself, an exhortation from the Apostle Paul. If your list consists of a Bible cover, membership card, bumper sticker and a choir robe-go to the back of the line. Reread what it takes from the pretty Bible inside of the plastic cover. For many have gone out from the church, who have the appearance of Christians, but are really posers. They speak the words, know the right songs on K-LOVE, and even carry a Bible. I even had a so-called brother pointed out to me who had put a Daily Bread cover on a cheap novel, trying to impress me. Are you in the word, or is the word in you? Poser!
So to all who truly believe, and live the life for Jesus, I will keep you in prayer. Beware of the wolves in sheep clothing, for they are not of Jesus. And He knows, and a sad ending awaits them if they don't repent. Don't buy into their words, beliefs, or lifestyle. Stay true to God, and trust only Him. No new revelations-or dates of Jesus return. Or those who study it. NEVER exchange what you know for something you don't know. Stay in the spirit! And a note to all who are posers-we can tell! And if we can, do you think you are fooling God? And if you think you can fool God, how stupid are you to follow a God who can be deceived?
Passion-more than an emotion, it is a person called Jesus. From the heart, that shows in your life. So to those who wish to impress others with their knowledge, and lifestyle, who need a shirt, vest, or sticker on their truck to tell us all about Jesus, I offer this request from all of us who are worn out with your posing. Don't brag to us about what a great Christian you are, SHOW US!
Preach the word daily, and when needed use words. The emperor in this community doesn't need new clothes, these old leathers fit just fine. Custom made just for you, by Jesus. Who never goes out of style either. Pretty bike, looks new, must have cost a lot, now you were saying....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com