They are called "rat bikes," because, well they look pretty ratty. They
will stand out in a crowd more than spending $50,000 on chrome and custom work,
and have a certain patina all their own. Yet some tend to look down at them,
and their owners, just because they are different, because they may not be as
pretty to look at, but we need to remember-at least they're riding. And you
don't know what they have at home parked in their garage. So we must we careful
before we comment, lest we become the "rat" in the situation.
I have shown up at biker events after riding 500 miles in a day, with bugs
on bike, chain lube on the swing arm, and needing a shower. Only to be looked
down at the shiny leather crowd, their chrome gleaming in the sun, and no bugs
in their teeth. And when granted a conversation with them, find out that my
day's mileage may exceed that of their month's riding. Whereas I filled up
three times that day, they can't remember the last time they did. But somehow
their appearance of cleanliness gives them a superiority complex. They look the
part, may even talk the part, but have never ridden the part. They know the
parts guy from buying all their chrome from him, and have the latest t-shirt.
But all from local dealers. Even worse to me are those who got them while on
vacation-they either flew, or drove the car. To me that is not a real
vacation! I even have talked to guys who will rent a bike for the weekend, just
to keep miles off of theirs. They just don't get it, better yet they think we
don't. And both sides are right-it may be the question asked that is
wrong.
We tend to congregate with those that we feel comfortable with, so I try to
avoid these types. But somehow they are drawn to me, and I hear the question in
my head that is on one of the HD shirts, "If I have to explain it, you wouldn't
understand." To which I now reply, "if you can't explain it simply, you don't
understand it!" And as they go back to polishing their chrome, or moving their
bike away from such a derelict, we both miss out. Maybe they would like to
polish mine, or maybe they would like to go for a ride. Maybe they have a rat
bike at home-only the ego makes them bring out the trailer queen to events.
Maybe they would secretly like to ride an Adventure bike, but their peer group
wouldn't accept them. Different flavors of the same ice cream-we all ride,
isn't that what we should emphasize instead of our differences?
Their are groups even within our own Christian community that are superior
to others-or so they think. Rather than encourage, their actions tend to
segregate us from even each other, as well as other groups. When they introduce
a friend as a super Christian, I wince. And here comes the polished chrome
attack, and suddenly I feel inferior to them. But as I quickly get over it, as
I listen to their foolish claims, I see no substance to what they do. I know
of men who have fed the poor, given big sums to the church, or taken a Saturday
morning to help someone move. Only because they brag about what they have done
for Christ. When it is really themselves, a self aggrandizement that they are
telling, the words of a Pharisee in a modern day world. They are trying to
build up themselves, "look you too can be a winner like me,"and think somehow
they are pleasing to God, but their words don't fit the actions. I find they
invade churches, travel from church to church, and never contribute anything.
They brag about their kids, how well they are doing in Christian school, or a
missionary trip, but when you ask the kids later, their hearts weren't in it.
Dad or Mom's berating or threatening tone made them give in, if only to get out
of the house. Their chrome doesn't shine, nor is it covered with road dirt.
But no testimonies are offered, to them it just got them away from their
parents. The only reality they have of Jesus is being ordered around, it's not
personal.
I have learned that I can do more sitting in the crowd and obeying God than
standing on a street corner yelling out "Jesus!" That evangelism isn't inviting
people to church, or bothering them with how great a Christian you are, but by
listening and spending time with them. Finding out the need before trying to
overwhelm them with what you think you know. Most successful Christians I know
are just there, and are there for others. No shouting it out, no waving of
flags, and no arguing with others. Loud pipes don't save lives, only Jesus
changes lives, will we please let Him?
We live in a competitive society, the church doesn't have to be. And it
shouldn't be. It should be a place to comfort the weary, encourage the
downtrodden, feed the hungry, and visit those who can't get out. WE are the
church, not the building, so ask yourself, would you want to go to your own
church, the one your words and actions display? Would you feel welcomed and
comfortable? Would an unsaved person want to be like you? Or would you rather
see the Word in action, than profess how much you think you know? Are you
walking in His way, or are you just in the way? What fruit do you bear?
Sometimes it isn't what you ride, but the fact that you do ride. Something
to remember the next time another bike waves to you. And something to live, God
gives us the chance to share His love. Many arguments have been won, and souls
lost because of the selfishness of others. Don't be a part of that crowd. When
the final toll is taken, just being there in heaven will be reward enough. Why
not live like Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "on earth as it is in
heaven?" And you will find that on earth it will be who you know, not what you
know. So know Jesus. Trust Him. Use the still small voice He speaks with, and
please, don't shout at me. Or others. You miss the chance to hear what we have
to say too. We love you as you are, can you say the same to us? Or are you too
busy polishing your ride rather than riding it?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com