The British refer to it as "doing the ton." Buick named a series of its
cars starting back in the thirties "the Century," and for years it was the magic
number to hit in the 1/4 mile. What I am referring to is 100 mph! That magic
figure that we all like to brag about, that has a certain clout to it that 95mph
just doesn't have. Or about 147 feet per second, or five first downs if you are
Peyton Manning. That's quick. Can't count Mississippis that fast. A figure
that the news loves to key on lately when talking about car chases and crashes.
A number that although sounds good, may not be the case. It takes time and
distance to reach that speed, more than you would think.
How fast is 100mph? For the new Speed Triple, it shows up in 5.8 seconds.
Fast, but almost a full second slower than a ZX-14. 0-60 is 2.7, try that
0-100 against your car's 0-60. Hmmmmm? Remember how fast your favorite muscle
car was in high school? A 1970 SS454 Chevelle was 0-60 in 6 seconds flat-with
the motorcycle today hitting the ton in less time. Yes, no matter how fast you
were then, it ain't that fast now. And with the new Boss Mustang running as
fast as a 40 year old motorcycle, 100 mph is still fast, it just doesn't take as
long to get there. But yet I was reminded this weekend again when a friend of
ours was killed in a car crash, supposedly going 100mph, that that number is
fictional in most cases. Time and distance were not on his side, or on the
numbers they reported in the article. Good for a headline, but figure a high-po
police Crown Victoria is only 8.7 seconds to 60mph, it's gonna take a long time
for Joe Citizen is his Camry to get to 100. Just do the math, as the faster you
go, it takes more power, you have more aerodynamic drag, and the road gets
shorter-remember it will take a much longer time to stop! So when I hear about
a high speed chase in traffic, of an SUV at over 100mph-I doubt it, and so
should you. It takes power, more importantly power to the ground. Without the
wheels on the ground you are losing speed. Power under control, which although
few of us claim to have, few really do or ever get a chance to show it off.
The fruit of the spirit is meekness. Not some wimpy guy, but power under
control. Put another way, being in a position to seek revenge, but choosing not
to. Power under control. A choice we make, and which shows that the spirit
lives within us. We can't brag about how humble we are, and we cannot have
patience right now. And we have to screw up to see mercy. But meekness is
always just the next action or attitude away. A bridge I just had to cross this
morning.
When calling about a bill for incorporating the ministry, the man asked
what Matthew 25 Biker Ministries was. As I explained, he also chimed in some
other part of the verse-he was a believer. But for some strange
reason-meekness, I hadn't gone off on them when I keep getting billed
erroneously. I kept my cool-under control. And was glad I did as I would have
been a lousy witness to another Christian, let alone a non-believer. Keep that
in mind next time someone doesn't agree with you. Meekness-the fruit of the
spirit shined brightly that time. If you need a reminder, just think of Jesus
on the cross. he could have come down at any time, but His love for us was so
great He endured it-for 6 hours! Mine was only a five minute phone call!
Keep this in mind when driving down the freeway, on your cell phone and
cutting people off. With that big Jesus fish in your window. Is that really
the witness you care to be? Maybe you are the reason that people speak harshly
about us-who could blame them? So do us both a favor, show courtesy, and if
wearing colors, or a decal, remember someone is always watching, maybe not
around, but always up. God sees all things-which embarrasses me sometimes, but
forgives.
Can we do the same?
Can we do the same?
Forgiveness-now that is true meekness, that is power under control. No
matter how fast you travel, or they think you travel, keep your power under
control. And at the same time exhibit self control, another part of the fruit
of the spirit. By one choice you can exhibit at least two fruits, the rest then
all fall into place.
Jesus never hurried, and was never late. Power under control. Remember
that the next time you twist the throttle, or hit the go pedal. The life you
save may just be your own! Do the ton on the track-and miss the 6 o'clock
news. Jesus has many more blessings for you. It's your choice-meekness.
But Mike, my speedo goes to 180-see you in heaven-if you make it! Ride
safe, trust God, and stay meek. Now that is a way to go out and witness.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com