Among the many unused, but useful items is the owners manual. A book
designed to answer all the possible questions you may have about your new
motorcycle, such as where does the key go? Why won’t it start? Why won’t it
go? What does the red oil light mean? When does it need service? How fast
should I go during break-in? And a list of others, often accompanied by
pictures or photos, just in case the purchaser has never seen a key, a tire, or
maybe even a motorcycle before. And in today’s modern economy, when a vehicle
is purchased, a pre-delivery check is gone over. Showing all the things a new
owner should know, and when with Mercedes Benz, they even gave a 2 hour course
at night to go over the manual, they had started putting it on DVD, hard to read
while driving. And the cars had become so complicated. But during the
pre-delivery, so many are so excited to get out and ride, they neglect to
listen, big surprise, and could have avoided simple problems if they had. Such
as turn on the gas or you will stall-gotcha on that one. Or the turn signals
are not self cancelling, no fun following someone signaling a left turn for
miles, and many others. In this simple ten minute interview, they even would
have been told where to look in the manual. But like so many today, the manual
only comes out of it plastic shrink wrap only in an emergency, or for their free
oil change coupon, when they can find it under the napkins and gas
receipts.
I like to know what to do, and many new bikes have so many electrical
enhancements you need to know-or you cannot turn off the radio, the windshield
won’t lower, or a red light won’t quit flashing-all while riding. Gone are the
days of 1 down and the rest up, it is the law now, it was more interesting
before 1975 when the shift pattern was standardized, left side as above, coming
off a Norton, 1 up, then 3 down, or Triumphs, on the right, made life
interesting. But somehow we all survived, and thanks to the Federal Government
can ride today. Ahem. But after the first day, and the salesman is off the
next day, many came into service. I had one man come in with over 40 complaints
on his day old E320, he refused to read the owners manual, and had called
MBUSA. He wanted to return the car, I spent over an hour with him, and got him
straightened out. This PhD was as smart as his degree, so much for the value of
an education. So I learned the hard way the importance of the follow up, to go
over things after the new had worn off. And many thanked me for the kind phone
calls, and additional answers, all based on a lesson learned from dating. Just
knowing more than them, and providing a phone call made me look so smart.
When I used to date, in the pre-Theresa days, I would send the girl flowers
the next day, even had an account with the florist. And built a reputation
among the ladies of being a gentleman, no one else followed up. And I always
did, with only two exceptions, one date so bad, I left during dinner to go to
the men’s room and didn’t return, the other I took home early-on New Year’s Eve,
but mostly the flower business was strong as long as I was dating. And so I
found a follow-up was not only courteous, but a professional statement that
helped me in the future. I wish more would do it today, and some do hiding
behind surveys, which I hate, and then begging for a good CSI score, which I
hated to do, and still did great on. From the heart worked then, still does
today.
But we find that the follow-up call is nothing new to Jesus. In fact He
tells us to go out and make disciples, follow-up on those who became Christians,
and teach them. Answer questions, pray with them, and encourage them in the
word. Something sorely missing in the church in many places today. Dr.
Evangelist, comes into town, some get saved, then he blows out, leaving them at
the mercy of whoever gets them next. No follow-up, and they flounder, or back
away from their new found experience. It is a miracle any stay saved and grow,
especially when we neglect the command of Jesus. Our church does one on one
discipling, and also encourages new believers to attend classes, to get the
basics. Too many have come to Christ based on emotion, only to fall back in
their old ways when the high wears off. And with no manual to follow, we give
out new Bibles, they go back to where they were, and end up asking old friends,
usually unsaved what to do next. The attrition rate is higher than it should
be, but for the grace of God. And end up worse than they started, confused and
finding out religion doesn’t work, sadly confusing religion with Jesus. So this
is where you come in...you can be that owner’s manual. Ask God to point out a
new believer, or if you are one, ask God to send you one. Seek God and He will
be found, He isn’t hiding. But it takes fellowship and prayer to grow in
Christ, and a big brother/sister is what Jesus can provide. Go into the world
making disciples...you can only disciple one who is saved, and draw close to
Jesus. Learn while teaching, and find the blessings that seeing God at work in
life can provide. Come alive in Christ as you follow His great command, and
equip others so they may equip others-that’s evangelism. That is being an
effective witness. That’s scriptural. That’s Jesus.
So get out your owners manual today, it may have been a while since your
Bible was opened, and study up. Pray, and watch as God sends people your way.
To encourage, a fruit of the spirit. Classes available Sunday mornings and
Wednesday nights, just in case. Get the most out of your relationship with
Jesus, neglecting religion and focusing on him. Get all the blessings God has
for you, and enjoy the ride of your life. And remember the old starting drill
on old Triumphs. Key on, kick through the clutch, tickle the carbs until your
feet get wet with gas, then a big kick and you’re riding. Simple, huh? Now is
it 1 down and how many up? You are paying attention right? Disciplers needed,
the harvest is rich, the workers few. Apply now. I didn’t know I had a sixth
gear?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com