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As I stood watching and listening, this couple whose kids were now out of
the house, were looking to start riding. But either they weren’t asking the
right questions, or the salesman, young enough to be their kid, didn’t have the
right answers. They were looking to get involved in motorcycling, he was trying
to sell them a bike. They were interested in going places, he was intent upon
telling them the difference between blue and gray was a model year. I left
before I got frustrated for both of them, having seen the scenario before.
Which caused me to reflect on my own life, for it is 38 years ago this week, I
was a young 21 year old getting on his motorcycle and heading west to begin a
new life. I was riding to where I had never been, to live with a man I had just
met, and serve a God I knew even less about. And so as I approach Thanksgiving,
it reminds me how thankful I am that the decision I made was the right one. I
thought back to my first job in motorcycling, selling BMW, Triumph, and Suzuki.
How the owner, David was into motorcycling, and motorcycles, and one time when a
man was looking to travel, had me talk to him. I was the least experienced
salesman, but the most experienced rider at age 21. I had seen and done things
no brochure or sales talk could convey, I had ridden coast to coast, and knew
what it was like. Riding was a passion, and rather than adapt riding to my
life, I adapted life to my riding. Looking back I wish I had intervened with
this couple, they were looking for what I have, but I am convinced they will buy
a bike, just not there, and go out and enjoy riding together.
I used to marvel at how people can’t understand how Theresa and I ride so
much. But riding and traveling are passions of ours, and we are glad to be part
of a brotherhood of those who ride, and of those who ride together. From our
first night, until later this morning, we have done so much together, so much
based on riding. Motorcycling is part of our life, and we have adapted to it,
rather than trying to make it fit into our life. We picked motorcycling as our
focal point, include our other activities in it, rather than trying to make our
bikes fit into our lives. We ride from the heart, and many questions are
answered by our life experiences, as opposed to others excuses. We stopped
dreaming, and started living-and riding like the ad says. Instead of still
seeking, we have found, and that has made all the difference.
While talking the other night with a man in church, he was telling me about
all the various Christian books he is reading, and how he is trying to
incorporate Jesus into his daily life more. More at church, more at Men’s
Ministry, more at home, and more at work. He listens to KWVE, knows all the
teachers, takes copious notes at church, and attends Wednesday night services.
But he doesn’t get it. He hasn’t found it yet. Yes, He is saved, just not
cashing in on all Jesus has for him. He is going about it all wrong. True,
these things are not bad, in fact they are good additions to walking a Christian
walk, but he has missed the point. He has the wrong answer to the right
question, but still goes on looking, not knowing he has already found all he
needs in Jesus. But instead of trying to include Jesus in the things of his
life, he needs to include those things of his life in Jesus. He is going about
it backwards, and like the couple wanting to ride together, but being sold a
bike, he needs to be involved in Jesus, then all the other things will be added
to his life. Jesus needs to be the head, He adds life, not the other way
around. He is close, but until Jesus becomes his true passion, something will
always be lacking. And no amount of bible lessons, teaching, note taking, or
fellowship will make a difference until he builds his life around Jesus. Then
Jesus will become part of work, home, church, and his family. Until that
happens, we are the focal point of life, trying to add Jesus where we can, when
we have it all backwards. Seek ye first, it is written, then all these things
will be added unto you. So where are you in Christ, and better yet, where is
Christ in you?
I watch as some riders have all the skills, and taken the MSF course, a
good thing. And when others hear of our riding stories, and want to get
involved, I tell them take the course first-see if you really want to ride.
Then buy a bike, and get involved. But with no passion, you will only buy a
bike, and miss out on the brotherhood found in the world of motorcycling.
Owning a bike doesn’t make you a rider, just as sitting in church doesn’t make
you a pew. You will find yourself wanting to ride, and making plans around
weekend trips, and going places, with the one you love. Jesus and you can have
the same type of relationship. Check Him out, make the decision by taking the
course, being saved. You will find yourself wanting to go to church, wanting to
do Bible studies, and tuning your radio to KWVE. You will want to do things
based on your passion for Him, and soon you will be living a life with the one
you love-Jesus. And then, all other things will be added unto you. Maybe that
is what the couple meant to ask, but instead were being sold a bike. They were
looking for a life in motorcycling, but just being offered a ride. Where is
Jesus in your daily routine? Still trying to figure out how to take Him to
work? Share Him at home? Make a impression at men’s study? Maybe it is as
simple as when Pastor Doug and I were talking. He had just returned from
Israel, again, and was telling the stories. And I was fascinated by them.
Then at Thursday Bible study he brought some pictures, cool. But when I saw him
in the pictures, he had really been there, then the whole story meant
something. He was living it, not just telling about it, he was relating it. It
was personal, He had been there, and had the photos to prove it. And it
answered many questions I had never asked or knew to ask. And now I have a
focal point to Israel....just like I know Jesus, and have a focal point with
God.
“Stop dreaming, and start riding...today.” the ad says. If it works with
motorcycles, it can work with God, or vice versa. Stop seeking, and start
finding. He is there waiting for you, to add life to your day, not trying to
find ways to add Him to your life. 38 years ago I stopped dreaming, and started
living in Christ. Doing things not found in any textbook, or on any radio
station. I found it to be very personal with Jesus. I found that the faith I
didn’t know I had at 21, 38 years later has taken me places in Jesus, that if I
had tried to incorporate Him would never had happened. He led, somehow I mange
to keep up. He was, and is the center of my life. He is why I ride, why I
live, and why I look forward to every day. Start with Jesus, if I hadn’t I
still would be riding, but never would have gone the places I have. Pick up
your cross and follow Him today...for me my cross was a throttle hand that
sought after life and all it had to offer, only found in Christ. The right
answer to all your questions. How interested in Jesus you are will show how far
you will go....some sit on bikes in a showroom, I sit on a bike on the road.
Some seek, I have found. And Jesus has made the difference. How about you?
That picture in the brochure could be of you!
love with compassion,
MIke
matthew25biker.blogspot.com