The things that I don't understand far outnumber the things I do. The number of things I think I understand falls short of both. So years ago I decided to not try to understand everything, and a lot of my mental misery went away. I gave up thinking I had to be a Jack of all trades, and found out being a master of none left me more time to ride. And that by not being an expert in any one field, no one bothered me any more when they couldn't figure out things themselves. Like things included in the instruction manual. Are the pictures in English or Spanish? The number for 911. Call 411? And then trying to convince me that sitting in the garage on a nice, sunny day working on my bike was more fun than being out riding it. Such questions are left to far better brains than mine, so I'm going riding.
But some things still perplex me sometimes, the erudite word for confusion. Why do some riders tell me about the freedom of riding, then stop and call their wife on their cell phone, who immediately curtails the fun that day by telling him to get home? Why do Harley owners brag about spending $5000 more on an older bike, with less power, less accessories, and no warranty than a new one? Must be the fact that the break in miles were included. Why does a new Bonneville cost more than a Street Triple, which has twice the horsepower, handles better, and has better brakes? Nostalgia? I own both, does that make me twice as confused?
Why do big bore sport bikes weigh more than ones with lesser cc's? Why does a bigger hole weigh more? If I put 40psi of air in my tires, and you only run 35, does yours weigh less? And do some real racers just add more air to meet the weight minimum, than let some out after inspection? Did you know Harley sells a polish for flat paint? How will it work on shiny paint? Will it make it dull?
If loud pipes truly save lives, where is the study so the government will make them mandatory? One of my bikes with loud pipes only got me noticed more by the cops. Maybe that is the study. Why do those who have loud pipes think they have to impress the neighborhood at 5am with them? And then wonder why the same neighbors hate motorcycles? And why just the other day, did someone ask me if I knew how to adjust valves on his two-stroke? Not sure how to answer that one, referred him to the service department.
Yes, there are truly mysteries of life out there. My best guess is that it is better off not knowing some things. Like when I am going to die. It would change my whole outlook on life. And try to make arrangements to be somewhere else so maybe it wouldn't happen. But then maybe that was part of the plan to get me to that place in the first place. Yup, too much thinkin' going on, and very little to show for it.
God calls them mysteries, not like the whodunnits of Perry Mason, or the Hardy Boys, but things not yet revealed. But yet does give us many clues, that when led by the Holy spirit points us in the right direction. They ask dumb things sometimes, that religion encourages, theologians debate, and people discuss-but never ask God. For instance, why do so many Christians wonder who is the anti-Christ? Unless you are planning to be here, you'll never know, and it doesn't matter! Shouldn't you be seeking Jesus more? Who are you really looking for? How about all this hoopla about 2012, and the end of the world? Why trust a race of cannibals that don't exist any more? What calendar were they looking at? Not in the Bible, God tells us birth pangs will occur-just the opposite. And why do so many misled people seek to know when Jesus is coming back, when He doesn't know, and God isn't telling? Can you think of a better way to look stupid? Or less Godly? God also tells that the law prescribes stoning for false prophets-still interested? I guess it sells books, gets people interested, but comes short of salvation. Jesus is truth, not an opinion. Not religious rhetoric, and not a fad. Not a way to heaven, the way. He died and rose again on the third day. Fact. Maybe we should be wanting to get closer to Him than discussing opposing viewpoints.
The Bible calls it the spirit of anti-Christ, not the person. Anyone who deters you from Christ, sends you on an opinion trek, or denies the deity of Jesus Christ has that spirit. And you can be saved, but still have it. The importance of good teaching, being in the word, and walking in the spirit. How do you know good teaching? It always points to Jesus, who always points to His Father. And the Bible backs it up. How do I know I am in the word? Is the word in you? Are you known for love or for gossip? How do I know you are in the spirit?
That's personal, but for me it is peace. Better yet, I know when I'm not, the peace is gone, and I start to lean on my own understanding. Much better to lean on Jesus.
So to those of you who know how many cans in a 6 pack, or what color is blue, why Ferraris should be red, Harley's black, and Bonnevilles green-you're ahead of the rest of us. Do yourself a favor, keep it to yourself. Don't let the others find out. But to those of us who know Jesus, don't let a day go by without showing His love. Without telling someone how He saves. And without spending time with Him. Let God handle the God things, and the rest are easy.
And for those intent on knowing who is the anti-Christ, you'll have to deny Christ to know. You might find it easier and more rewarding to know who was the driver of the semi in Duel. Or what does the Lone Ranger look like behind the mask. Or trying to figure out the words to Viva Las Vegas. Or why you would entertain dumb questions to start with. Trust trivia? Another reason for disliking Alex Trebek. I rather trust God.
I'll bet He knows how an aspirin finds a headache! Do you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com