Because I get out and around a lot, I get to meet a lot of neat people, and
also some not so neat. Somehow I got hooked up with Cycle World and Ducati, and
was invited to do a ride with them, on their new Diavel. Not much for cruisers,
I figured it would be fun, and it was. Breaking up into groups, with Ducati rep
and CW editor in each group, I hung towards the rear as I always do on group
rides, so I can ride my pace and avoid those who think they can but cannot ride
well. The editor for this group was a guy named Cernicky, who hung back with
me, and we enjoyed riding together. It was a nicely laid out course, and most
of the speeds were way above the legal limit. Cernicky hung behind me riding
sweep, until we hit one 90 degree curve marked 15 mph. I went into it at 25,
and to my right, he was blowing by me, all crossed up, flat track style. When
we stopped, I asked “bored?” and he just smiled. I was too...
But when I got back, I talked further with another man from Cycle World
named Andy. He asked what I rode, and we talked about all size bikes. When I
commented about the new 250‘s and how cool they were, his interest picked up. I
told him I felt I was an ambassador for motorcycling, and encouraged new riders
to take an MSF course, to buy used first, then new, and not everyone needs a
Harley or a 150 hp sport bike. He seemed impressed, then asked what I did. I
explained I was retired on a disability and in ministry, and his face changed.
But as I went on, and explained what I did, and how, he was interested. Seems
most Christians only preach at him, invite him to church, or point out his
faults. I had encouraged him, and we shook hands, he gave me his card, and
asked for mine. Andy and I parted new friends.
When I got home, I looked him up. His card said publisher of Bonnier
Motorcycle Group that publishes Cycle World, Sport Bike, and Motorcyclist.
Seems he was a world class 250cc road racer, set the best lap time at Willow
Springs, and was an internationally known and respected racer. He was a
somebody. But the email he sent me made me feel like a somebody too. He told
me it was great to talk with me, and thanked me for my efforts in promoting
motorcycling. He was impressed with my ministry and wished me well in it. A
note he didn’t have to send, but did. He had made my day, after I made his.
Just by being myself and not pushing any agenda, he was able to see a Christian
motorcyclist who loved riding and loved Jesus. Without preaching, he got to
hear my testimonies of Jesus Christ changing lives. All because I had been
invited to test ride a Ducati Diavel. By the way, Diavel means devil. For
which later a church goer reminded me of, and how I am not to mix with the
world. When he saw the Pirelli Diablos on my bike, he seriously doubted my
salvation. And by his comments, I doubted his. I wondered if he ever filled
the tanks of his friends cars like we do for each other who ride? Did he ever
wonder who would fill his?
Jesus spent his time on the road talking with those who weren’t saved. To
hookers, homeless, junkies, bikers, and church folk who needed to hear the
truth. He never became like them, he drew them to himself, and saw their lives
changed. Yet a certain group feels that we need to be shuttered away from the
world, and loses out. We are in it, not of it, there is a difference. What
spiritual law was broken when someone shared with you? Shouldn’t you pass it
on? Yet we see small minds with a small god living in them making comments like
they did to me. No wonder their witness and testimony has no impact, they are
not of Christ, but have their own gospel, according to self. They would never
engage in dealing with the downtrodden, think anyone in sin is demonic, and if
it isn’t the way they believe, it is not scriptural. But where did they learn
this? Someone exposed them to this, I don’t think it was the holy spirit?
Pride shows up in very subtle places, this is one. When we are the
barometer of Jesus, then it is called judging. But when you compare the person
or situation to Jesus, and really care and pray, and show it, then it is
discernment, a gift from the spirit. I had no idea who Andy was, nor did he of
me, but we visited, and who I was came out in the conversation. By my words and
attitudes, I showed the gospel, and left him wanting more. I was just a seed
thrower that day, someone else will water, but it will be God that provides the
growth. By his spirit, we are changed. Not by the name on a bike or its
tires. Lest you be led astray. Or lead someone astray.
New rider, take the MSF course. New Christian, you need to be discipled.
To be encouraged in and by the spirit. How many come to Christ only to find a
new set of rules and thou shalt nots, after hearing of the freedom in Jesus
Christ? How many ride once or twice, because no one invites them along and
shows them how to be a better rider? I used to ride at the front, now I hang
back and can see better, what is in front of me is where I am heading. I can
see how each one rides, and make adjustments. Except for maybe Cernicky, who
when I told Mick about him, immediately told me “don’t ever let him ride your
bike. Never. He crashes a lot.” Jesus reminds us we are in an endurance race
to the end, and the prize is heaven. There will be Andy’s, Cernicky’s and
church folk commenting on how you live along the way. Remember they chastised
Jesus too for his peer group. Pharisees and their type will do that. Remember
that next time you begin to comment...the next person you meet may be your next
riding partner. Or cellie. Or spouse. A pastor. Or someone who is looking
and doesn’t know it, but God does, and appointed you to be his representative
that day. Or of course you could always take the bus.....
By the way, bus riders need Jesus too.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com