Looking out my window this morning, I am reminded how much boundaries play a role in our lives. Watching Dee Dee walking a cat and two dogs on leashes, listening to the neighbors small dogs bark from behind the fence, and noticing fences between our homes, we all are bound by something, and may not realize it. From the time we are born, we are bound. We look from our crib, and wonder what it is like on the floor. Later we look past the door, and wonder what it is like outside. We then want to cross the street, and wonder what it is like across Westfield Road. And it continues as we get older, another boundary to cross and conquer, wondering what is on the other side, and increasing our desire to not be fenced in. Sometimes for our own good, yes-but bound none the less.
When Bill and I first got our motorcycle licenses, the main direction we took was west out of Jersey. Late summer afternoons riding into the sunset-and no matter how fast we rode never quite caught up to it. It was always out of reach, so we continued on, without boundaries, excited about the new roads to ride, places to eat, and hopefully girls to meet. But first the road on the horizon laid ahead of us. And it still does today, and my heart more than ever wishes to ride places I have never seen yet. To wander down roads just to see where they go. To find a bench at the edge of the beach and watch the sun set. To eat breakfast from a skillet overlooking a mountain stream, and to end up in a small town not on any map, and feel right at home. I wish to ride into every horizon, form sun up to sundown, and all the horizons in between-for God has given me a desire to see this wanderful, and wonderful world He created. And with Him along to guide, the best is yet to come.
And being a Christian is the best way to see it. For we see it through God's eyes. For like the pamphlets and brochures I get, they are man's viewpoints-what they think I would and should see about them. But with God it is different. Jesus was against the religious types-the word religion means bound. And He came to set us free from the laws and Pharisee types who wanted to control us. He talked freedom in the spirit-where we could ride the horizons, and see life through His eyes. He guides us through life's roads, adding life to the road, and bringing an intangible into the ride-Himself. So often we see eagles, bears, or other scarcely seen things, just because He points them out to us. So often we see things that others miss, just because we are looking, and just because we let Him show us. Sadly religion is not like this,, and so many I meet think of church as rules to obey, and fun not to have. They are right-religion stinks. But that is not God! Don't confuse the two, and don't get sour on God just because of a bad church/religious experience.
If you are still looking at God from behind a barrier, or in a religious arena, remove it. Look to the horizon He has given you, and let nothing get between the two of you. Put those behind you who seek to contain God, and control you, and seek God only. And then follow Him, trusting Him. And you will find that God's ways are different. That God's ways bring joy, and a peace that only comes from Him. He is that peace. That the boundaries that others are trapped behind are now gone, and you can see the horizon, and have a new desire to see what is over it. And now have a way, and a person to go there with-Jesus Christ.
Jesus spent most of His time on the road. He may be the original and most famous nomad ever. He knew what was over the horizon, and wanted everyone to see it, and for everyone to be there with Him someday. He knew heaven awaited those who believed, and that religion would try to take them off course. So He showed the way, and today wise men still seek Him.
It has been said a rut is really just a grave with the ends open-a way of escape. Get out of your rut today. Do something again for the first time. Get closer to God, and spend time with Him. You will see roads that you passed by, never knowing they were there, or where they went. Seeing things God's way-but at your pace. With Him pointing things out to you that you missed before-things out of bounds to religion, but available in Christ. And just like God walked with Adam in the afternoons in the garden, you can ride with Him-and do it all day! Not just when the son sets!
There is a new horizon that God has laid before you for today. Let Him take you there. It may be miles, or it may be inches, but it is a place with no boundaries, a place of freedom, and a place of peace. A place where you can put your feet up, and watch, look, and listen. And taste and see that the Lord is good. A place that must be experienced, for no brochure, pictures, or words can describe it. It's that personal.
The choice is yours-bound by religion, or free in the spirit? Twist a throttle with God today and let God be the Captain Kirk of your enterprise. Go boldly where no man has gone before. Eat and see the things of God firsthand. Then tell someone else-for He who is free in the spirit is free indeed! You know Toto, I don't think we're very religious anymore! We're out of bounds! With God! Hang on for the ride of your life!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com