While looking at the new Bonnevilles on the Internet, I sat and began to
count all of the motorcycles I have ever owned. Somewhere in the thirties, add
in all the other bikes I have ever ridden, and it is well over 100. But for
each of the ones I have owned, there was a decision to be made, do I buy it or
not? Some were based purely on an “I want one” attitude, while others were when
I needed to replace an older one, and in some cases one that had been wrecked or
totaled. So many roads, so many bikes, and so many decisions to make...I’m glad
I ride. I need one.
But when it comes to cars, the feeling or reason to purchase was
different. Too many times based on logic, fuel economy, or where to take the
family when they ride along were major factors in the purchasing process.
Checking ads, reading reviews, asking friends, only those who are gearheads, and
finally going to the dealer. And trying to find a salesman who knows more than
I did, good luck, and then the negotiations. And the process can take most of
a day, when I could or should be riding. And being on their turf, you can see
how an away game is harder to play than one at home, they have the home field
advantage, and have no problem pushing you into the vehicle of their choice,
when it should be yours. I win most of the time, have lost on others, but still
play the game. Which is why Theresa will not go with me to buy a car, it is
brutal. When she wanted a new Mustang convertible, circa 2001, we found the
one, candy apple red, and began to negotiate. I would call them back, and did
after checking prices. They accepted my offer, and Andrew, Paul, Theresa, and I
went to pick it up. But after arriving the price had changed...over $1000 for
the chrome rimes that were on the car when I priced it. Seems the salesman had
failed to include them, so we walked. No rims at the price agreed, no sale.
The young sales manager was tough, and couldn’t believe with all his charm I was
passing up the deal, but when we were about to get into our other car, Andrew
and his friend started giggling, “here he comes..” and after the standard of
“you’re getting it below cost, and it might cost me my job,” he agreed to sell
me the car, chrome rims included, at the price agreed upon. With one
understanding, in F& I, if anyone tries to sell me something, I walk. No
undercoating, stripes, fresh air cleaners. Nada, nothing, zippo. And she
didn’t and we bought, and we all lived happily ever after. With no word from
the dealership, they still are in business, must not have been too bad a deal
for them. So I operate on the definition of a good deal, where both parties
benefit.
Right now if you aren’t saved, there is a battle in the heavens going on
for your soul. Until you are saved and belong to Jesus, the devil owns you and
doesn’t want to give you up. So he will try to entice you with things of the
world, like new cars. Or worse motorcycles. A great job. All the things your
FICO score can provide you. Even eternal life, just not in heaven. The things
of the flesh, how much did you spend on clothes last year? Cosmetics? Riding
gear? Only to look good temporarily, at least on the outside. And he promises
himself, counterfeiting the claims of Jesus, until you die. Slicker than a used
car salesman, he will tempt you until you give in either way. Doing battle with
the holy spirit, who is telling you how much you need Jesus. You need a savior
from your sin, not another payment you cannot afford. He promises the things
unseen, while our wandering eye wants all that is seen. And both Satan and
Jesus will chase you offering you things in exchange for your soul, only the
truth is found in Christ. His deal is real, no hidden charges, or “oh I forgot
to tell you,” and he isn’t pushy. He wants you to make the decision, for true
love demands one. But don’t delay, for no man is promised tomorrow, but yet he
is patient that none should perish. He is life, anything else is a poor
substitute, and brings death. So in choosing a god, it is different than
choosing a new car. Or bike. When it comes time to buy, choose Jesus. His
claims are true, his burden light, and he is the way to his father in heaven.
He died for you, while Satan wants you to die to him. Don’t be misled by any
false claims of his, he is a liar, and will continue to lie and confuse you as
much as he can. Only in truth, in Christ will you know the truth and be set
free. Buy now and pay later? The price may be too high to pay when it is time
to pay, and you cannot save yourself. All loan agreements have a due
date...only the deal you make with Jesus is forever. And you don’t have to
renew it every year, and your FICO score, and all the things that matter her on
earth don’t to God. Whether the CEO, or just the janitor, both need the same
Jesus. All are sinners, no matter their income. Or lack of one.
And if you stop and think about it, buying a car is harder than coming to
Christ. His deal is the real deal. No closeout sales, and no upcharge for
hidden accessories, like chrome rims. No buyers remorse either, unlike once you
sign for the car, it is yours, you have all the freedom you need in Christ. But
why would you want to change after having it all?
Which is why I haven’t bought a new car in over 12 years. Or changed gods
in over 40. Jesus gave me the best deal, I took it,and never looked back. If
only I wasn’t so fickle when it comes to motorcycles. I have had many rides in
my life, only Jesus gave me the ride of my life. And into heaven when he
calls....but yet the temptation still exists. And it will, so don’t buy into a
pretty face, look for the nail pierced hands. Look into his eyes, and see
truth. Don’t fall for religion, don’t settle for less. For anything less than
Jesus. When it comes to your soul, demand the best. And only one can supply
it, Jesus Christ. Few figure in the price of insurance when buying a new car,
it comes included with salvation. We all want the best deal, Jesus comes with a
gift. Salvation is a gift. Even only cars and bikes came the same way. But I
have Jesus, and I still ride. Two good choices, only one will get me home to
heaven. Make the right choice today, and never look back. Jesus Christ, the
same as last year, the same as tomorrow. He never goes out of style. Chrome
rims included. By the way, the Mustang still calls our garage home. With 6
motorcycles....HELP!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com