Nobody wants the standard model anymore, or so we have been taught. Especially compared to the more expensive models with more features. So the industry has come up with Special Editions, to placate our selfish desire of one upmanship. Take the same model as last year, add paint, some chrome, and add a number plate announcing its special status, as in #456 of 15,000, and you have a Special Edition. That the manufacturer can charge more for, and hold on to a dated design for one more year to amortize costs. The Motor Company has led the way of marketing this, with such exclusive models as the 100 Year Anniversary models, all the same two colors of paint and badges. The next year you can get the colors you really wanted, on the same bike, just without the exclusivity of the other 300,000 who bought into this exclusive club with you. Repeat for 105, then 110 years, and watch as they line up to get them. Go figure. Don't mess with success.
Not a new concept, but Honda tried it with their great Interceptor for its 25th Anniversary in 2008, painted some models red, white, and blue like the originals. I still saw some priced $3000 less brand new on floors this last summer-somebody got a great deal, they just had to wait a few years. And let's hear it for 50th Anniversary Gold Wings, celebrating 50 years of Honda in the US of A. Or 25 years of Gold Wings. Yamaha recently celebrated the same 50 years, with paint and badges to match-at a premium. Their one catch, I noticed, was make the current model ugly, them paint the special edition like they should have looked, and the public will respond with wallets open. And not to be left out, Triumph has had the 50th Anniversary Bonneville, a Steve McQueen Bonneville, painted like the one in The Great Escape, and a 15th Anniversary Speed Triple. All cosmetics, isn't that the first thing we notice anyway, some numbered, so they can charge more, and bringing no more when it is trade-in time. But for the new owner at least he ahs bragging rights, if he can find someone who cares. And if numbered can brag about a low number, 1 of 1000, or a high number, 999 of 1000, depending upon who he is trying to impress. And just like he was once a sucker, there is a new generation waiting to fill his shoes when it comes time to sell. Anyone for the 10th Anniversary V-Rod? If it don't sell stock, maybe the faithful will flock to it with special paint and badges-seems the premium price will finally get them-who riding a Harley can resist the temptation to pay too much?
But it seems that we rather believe media hype than truth when it comes to real special editions, like us. When God created man, we were made in His image-that's special. No other creature created by Him has what we have-the ability to choose to serve Him and repent. We can have His spirit, and the will He gave us to choose. We are not forced to follow Him, that would be mercenary. If it wasn't our choice, it would not be true love. But we have a problem believing we are made in His image, and live like it-in sin. There are no two of us exactly alike, and God knows the difference between all of us. When we pray we don't have to tell Him who we are-He knows. We each fill a special place for Him, and He loves us dearly. But in creating us, He left a void that can only be filled by Jesus-the special part in your heart that only He can fill. Religion can't fill it, politics only distort, and our selfish desires counterfeit it. It takes Jesus to unite us with God! No special editions needed-all we need is supplied with us from the start as standard equipment. But it is up to us to use it-our choice. Our choice to believe the truth of Jesus Christ and believe He is who He says He is, or believe a lie, and end up in death.
There are no new models coming for salvation, or to reunite us to God. Don't believe the lies. God got it right the first time with Jesus. And how you live your life tells us about your choice. Does your God love you enough to die on a cross for you-while you still hated Him? Did He rise again after death on the third day? And is He still alive today, and wanting to save you? Blessed are those of us who believe without seeing, we are told by Him. That's us. Overwhelmed by religion and all its practices? Try Jesus. Tired of legalism and all its laws and thou shalt nots? Try life in the spirit! Not sure what you believe, but know that there is something better? Trust God-it's all about Jesus! Don't wait for an anniversary model that isn't coming. Don't buy into a numbered system that demands a price. Trust God! And be living today!
He know your name! And took the time to write it in the Book of Life Himself. He knows Mike M. from Mike J. No computer crashing, or name mix-ups. No second rate redo of last years model, and no additional pricing for exclusive colors. Nope-you get it all the first time!
Trust God today! Turn to Jesus his son. The most special edition ever created-for He alone can save you. And rest in the knowledge that He never changes-He is perfect from the beginning. The same yesterday, today, and forever. And ride knowing that no matter what else you come upon in life, nothing will compare to Him! Now that's a special edition I am glad I belong to!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com