Bondo theology

As a young gearhead, and knowing absolutely nothing more than my friends who seemingly knew even less, the first time someone told me about Bondo, I was impressed.  I had recently discovered it in the left rear quarter of my Dad’s BMW, body filler the shop called it, too polite or honest to call it what it was.  But the smooth fender contours were restored and no one knew unless they opened the trunk, and it had been hastily touched up, so who cares, right?  But my first hands on experience, pun intended, was when a friend was replacing the front end on another friend’s 1962 Corvette that had stopped slower than the car he was tail gating.  With no skills in fiberglass, he was filling in any gaps and spaces with Bondo as I watched, not wanting to get my pretty boy hands dirty.  Nor be blamed later as I saw the job progressing.  I did help with the sanding, and watched as the car was then painted in the old stand alone one car garage, the colors at night under the trouble light looked pretty good.  At least to me, at least in the dark.  But going by after school the next day, I had done better finger painting than the paint job on the car.  It seems the color had an outstanding effect on the car as everywhere the Bondo had been applied stood out.  It had actually looked better before the paint, my first real experience with Bondo, prepping for paint and its importance, and why you don’t let just anyone fix the body of your Corvette. 

Now in our town Corvettes were a rarity, and I often saw this car, and felt sorry for it, maybe more than its owner.  But over the next few years, when I would see it around town, I noticed the paint cracking where the Bondo had been applied, seems the Bondo had this wonderful ability to shrink, causing the paint to crack, and the imperfections observed.  No Corvette in my mind deserved this treatment, but as the years went by and being involved in the auto industry, I saw more Bondo than I thought possible.  It seems that you can either fix it right,which takes time and money, or for less time and less money, Bondo the bodywork, a sure way around doing it the right way, and avoiding a quality repair.  Why spend the money you don’t have to do it right when you can Bondo it?  In both cases, fixed but not repaired, hiding the wound and leaving the scar.  Something no one else we knew would ever do.....

Over the years in visiting body shops, I have seen Bondo in fenders, doors, hoods, trunks, and even some creative types using it for custom bodywork.  I once saw door slammed on an old Mustang, and the whole right hand door fell apart, it was Bondoed.  I have also seen it quickly painted over and a customer drive off thinking he had a quality job until the next day, then oops.  Or one accident where after the car was towed, two men sweeping up the Bondo left behind.  It seems if there is a cheaper way to fix something, someone will find it.  And since its invention in 1955, filling in the cracks and hiding the damage has never been easier, or less effective.

It seems everyone wants an easier fix, cheap and effective and fast.  Gotta hurry up and wait somewhere else.  So it is with Christians and their prayer life.  Ask now and expect God to drop everything and give in to your demands.  Take the easy way out, even with God, and you pay the consequences.  Prayer like that is like taking your own food into the diner, telling the cook how to cook it and demanding he do it now.  Or telling the mechanic how to fix your ride.  Or telling the doctor your diagnosis, and assisting in the operation.  Stupid hurts, by design, yet too many times we pray for a Bondo repair when God has the right plan.  There is a big difference between being sorry and being remorseful, sorry you got busted or sorry you hurt someone, big difference.  Forgiveness is not putting Bondo on your sin, and covering the damage, forgiveness is repenting, the acknowledgment of your sin, and asking Jesus to intervene, and then letting go and letting him deal with it.  No quickie Nirvana, no Earl Scheib $39.95 paint job will cover the real damage done.  Only Jesus can forgive and replace the damage.  But sometimes it takes time....

How many nights have you not slept worrying or not listening to God after opening up your heart?  Not waiting for him, but wanting it all now.  And not sleeping and paying the price the next day.  Prayers like Bondo, that crack in the light and the damage exposed, because we didn’t let God handle it.  Jesus tells us to take his yoke for it is easy, a yoke being around the neck of the weaker ox so the stronger one could lead. The Jews refer to the law as the yoke, so taking Jesus’s law of love, and applying it, letting him as the stronger one lead you, it somehow all makes sense, and it works.  So Jesus invites us to take the best way, not the easiest, or quickest, but his way, for he is the way. Now if some of us would only get out of the way.... and let Jesus be Jesus.

When we take Jesus’ yoke we become harnessed with him, and as the great shepherd, whose job is to protect his flock, he can lead us by the still waters, through the valley of the shadow of death, and into his fullness.  No denominational, no theology full of holes, no spiritual Bondo will ever replace Jesus.  Like we used to tell our impatient customers, “do you want it now or do you want it done right?”   You can microwave a steak, but grilling it takes a bit longer and reveals the flavor within.  Bedside manner is a poor substitute for doing it right the first time.  We say we trust Jesus, but do your responses to his answers bear that out?  Could it be you are serving a Bondo god, who has can cover up your sin, but not eradicate it?  Or forgive it?  Are you willing to take the yoke of Jesus?  Or do you need your car for a big date tomorrow?  Are you just trying to impress a crowd with your words or be impressed by Jesus and his action in your life? 

Bondo may be only 65 years old, but Bondo theology is nothing new.  Jesus told us the spirit of anti-Christ was already here, the instead of Jesus religion.  Patience is the fourth fruit of the spirit named, built on love, joy, and peace.  If sin is chipping away and your Bondo theology revealed, Jesus will still save you, if you repent.  He is patient when we aren’t, and that yoke is still easy.  Wherever you are right now you can be forgiven, just call out to him.  Sadly the world is filled with cheap body shops and cheap churches, theology with many holes in it, you get what you pay for.  No matter the price of your soul, Jesus covered it.  Instead of Master Card, let the the Master take Charge.  Bondo may cover the damage, it cannot repair the heart.  The cracks of sin are already showing, we can see them, and God does.  Now are you willing to admit them and repent? 

Bondo theology, not what Jesus died for.  Don’t you die with it.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

I've spent most of my life at 18

I was part of the first group of 18 year olds who were able to vote at that at age.  Man we felt like we knew it all, we had all the answers even though we hadn’t heard but the questions on our tests and quizzes.  And barely passed.  We had the right to vote, but no knowledge of who or what to vote for.  It was all about us, what could school, our parents, the government, and our girlfriends do for us.  We didn’t know at the time how good life really was, 25 cent gas, 15 cent hamburgers, and it was a golden age for motorcycles.  In my high school it wasn’t if you went to college, it was where, and that decal in your parents’ station wagon rear window spoke volumes.  We had everything ahead of us, bright and shiny futures ahead, we had it all except the wisdom to do the right things.  For some it would come quickly when drafted, some delayed for seven years in college, and some never got it, just the illusion.  We were young and we were old, being able to do just about anything we wanted, and if we failed, like in kickball, we could call “do over.”  Reality hadn’t fully set in yet, you could always move back in with your parents, and with my part time job at Sears, I felt like a rich man, even Alice Cooper got it it with his hit, “I’m eighteen and I like it, love it....”

I never imagined at 18 that by the time I was 21 I would have thrown a leg over my R90S and ridden to Albuquerque in November.  My 18 year old outlook still told me I could do anything, and that things were the same everywhere.  In a classic case of “if I had known” things probably would have turned out different, maybe better, or maybe worse.  I looked at life through my 18 year old eyes, but now was faced with adult decisions, rent, car payment, who to marry, do I marry, and suddenly, it was time to vote again.  In three and half years I had gone from kid to adult, and I was expected to perform like one, no more excuses about age, a time that should have been the best years of my life, suddenly I had to grow up.  A battle I faced for the next 44 years, and still face every morning.  Turning 64 I listened more attentively to the Beatles sing “When I’m 64,” and a time of bliss, but life went on with no respect of my age.  My 18 year outlook now in a 65 year old body, high miles and in need of maintenance, and wondering sometimes “will you need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64....” At 18 I had 60 years ahead, at 65 I may have 18 years ahead.  And I still am not quite sure how to behave in public yet.....

I had faced many health issues in my life from arthritis to an exploding aorta.  I have been hit and run and left for dead, crashed too many times, and today I feel it.  Not sure what it is yet, but I feel it.  At 18 I healed much faster, and had more energy to do it.  But my yearly checkups by various doctors tell me I’m in great shape, for an 80 year old, but in my mind I am still 18.  Just the other day a man approached me and asked me if the Street Triple R was mine.  My helmet had to be a dead give away, his answer “you’re not what I expected .”  He thought I would be much younger than I was, he was much younger than I thought he was.  I still get excited when I hear a big V8 roar by, when a hot bike hits the rev limiter, or when I flip the face shield up and reveal the old man in it, much to the surprise of the guy in the next lane.  I still feel like 18, want to perform like I’m 18, but at the end of the day I’m glad I’m not.  I wouldn’t want to be 18 again, for with what I now know I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. 
And I like to have fun.  So what is a person who has spent most of his life at 18 to do?

I am reminded of my Sunday School teacher Mrs. Campbell, who at 94 still taught with a vitality because she knew Jesus.  She would call me midweek and quiz me to make sure I was in the word, she seemed ageless.  When one day she told me she wanted me to meet her daughter, I figured everyone was about my age, turns out she was 72, I was 34.  But still 18.  She had not stopped living, but was still learning and growing in Christ, enjoying each day, knowing heaven was closer today than yesterday, but her Jesus kept her young at heart.  In Psalm 92 we read of two trees budding.blossoming, and growing in the Lord.  They were valued for their fruit and wood, offering a sense of vitality, prosperity, and usefulness.  Like they were rejoicing, just like we need to do when we are in Christ Jesus, loving, leading, sharing,and ministering to others in his love.  Years without an age, and suddenly I feel 18 again.  I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me, not too old to listen and learn, still old enough to ride and enjoy.  When my roots are deeply rooted in the spirit, I still see things as a  young man, but now have the experience in Jesus to back them up.  To see the wisdom in the godly advice I ignored, to still dream of next year’s ride, to be excited about my grandsons growing up, and growing older and closer to Theresa.  I don’t wish to be seen as an old man, but as a seasoned Christian who can share Jesus, whose advice carries weight because I know Jesus and can testify of him personally.  And with the days to rest so I can be ready for tomorrow...

Psalm 92 has the footnote “for the Sabbath,”  a day of rest to worship the Lord, look back on how he has brought us to this point, and to listen for next weeks lessons.  To rest in him.  For some a day, for me Jesus is my Sabbath, and I can rest in him everyday.  I don’t have to wait for Sunday, or battle with others who dispute which day, I can have the peace and calmness and be 18 in all things everyday, enjoying life abundantly, as promised.  Do you celebrate the day or the person?  The Jews considered long life a blessing from God, I consider all life a blessing from God.  Suddenly 18 seems so young....and I am not so old anymore.

No matter your age or stage of walk in Christ, it can only get better in him.  Sure the trials and tests will consume a good part of the days, but in those times we see a side of him we would miss otherwise.  If I was never sick I would never know how he is the great physician, if never in need how he is the great provider, and without a savior never know my sin and how it is forgiven.  So James is right when he tells us to rejoice in our trials, they only bring us closer to Jesus.  I can look back a life in Christ that celebrates his blessings, and still look ahead.  At 18 I could only look ahead....not knowing I would spend the rest of my life there. 

Experience Jesus today, enjoy the life he offers, and all the blessings he offers.  Avoid religion, seek him first.  Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too young or too old, and let every day be new and exciting in Jesus.  With only one question left to ponder, “do you like the Rolling Stones better from the 60’s or in their 60’s?”  Thank you Lord for letting me be there, and still here now.  Oh, and that satisfaction they can’t get none of, I found it years ago in Jesus.  With many more trips at redline ahead....before the rev limiter of life kicks in!  

Just because you are growing old doesn’t mean you have to grow up!  But with a dose of humility...I’m still old enough to know better, but still young enough to enjoy it!

love with compassion,

Mike

mattehw25biker.blogspot.com

true colors-don't put it on your back if it's not in your heart

It ahs been said that true character is what is revealed in the tough situations.  Standing firm when it would be easy to run.  Many examples are found in scripture, David when he meets Goliath, Job being tested, and Joseph being sold by his brothers.  Sometimes we can see the test coming, but mostly it takes us by surprise.  And in a world of fake news, lies and liars, and people who are the “do as I say, not as I do” type, it is always good to know Jesus has everything under control.  When we don’t, can’t or won’t, he does.  Hopefully you have some examples in your own life of when God intervenes, if not maybe you just aren’t looking.

If Frank hadn’t gone on to heaven, I would get a hearty amen from him.  One of the few men I would ever ride with, we did local and coast to coast, and always shared intimacies about what the spirit had shown us.  We were both in the same national ministry, and at their state rally one year, he was excited because his brother Tracy was coming, after battling some poor choices in life.  Held in Mariposa on Highway 49, if you never rode it, you need to, maybe the best roads anywhere, and so many of them.  So after the evening welcoming, and Saturday morning worship, the four of us, with Theresa on back took off.  Now one of the great things about riding with Frank was he was good, and you didn’t have to explain how fast or quick you were.  So with me leading, Frank followed and kept his eye on Tracy, each of us riding our own ride.  After covering some quick toads and looking back and no sign of Frank, we turned back, and couldn’t find him.  Riding further, our worst fears filling our heads, we found him talking to some guys in a pick up.  Who wondered if the guy they had seen go off the road was with us.....

So racing back while praying, we found Tracy had not navigated an off camber S turn like the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, but with huge boulders.  He was sitting up, his bike wedged between two boulders, inches from hitting one head on.  Miracle one.  While we secured the area and did basic first aid, no blood but lots of shoulder and internal damage we would find out later, Frank was able to get through to CSF, who responded in this remote area.  By the time they arrived and took Tracy to the ER, we had the area under control, directing traffic, dealing with Tracy, and calming Frank.  God had been gracious in how and where he had crashed, and sent the right men we needed from CDF.  Finally faced with what to do with Tracy’s bike, one of the young CDF firemen called his dad, who had a truck and ramp, and agreed to store it until insurance would haul it away.  When we had done all we could, Frank followed Tracy and Theresa and I went back to the fairgrounds, looking for those in charge and to alert them and pray.  What we found was much different than the accident scene, as they were too busy to even stop and listen to me, only when I insisted and told them rider down did they acknowledge me, seems they were too busy planning the nights events to spare a few moments or even show compassion.  And these guy were the face of a motorcycle ministry!  If planning was more important than a person who had crashed, maybe I was in the wrong ministry.  Seems their true colors were revealed, giving testimony to what I had been told and denied.  I wonder how they would have handled the crash, I can only imagine the whining and crying if it had been one of them.  True colors, not the colors they sported on their back.  Religion at its worst, not my idea of ministry or a God I would wish to serve.  But like Joseph, what the devil had meant for evil, God had meant for good.  To bring him glory, to grow and bless us, and to reveal our true colors. 

Word carries quickly in the countryside, and the firemen who arrived had publicly told others of how the accident scene was under control, with a calm and peace when the arrived.  It seems they were used to so called Christians who panic, who tell them how to do their job, and insist on “me first.”  What they had found that day was just the  opposite, telling others about us, “you guys had walked your talk.”  An effective witness of Jesus Christ, where our reactions often tell more about him than our actions.  This ministry was nothing more than a thinly disguised social club, proven by their reactions. I mean, can you not stop and pray for one of your own, a downed biker.....what does your patch say?

And it seemed Tracy had some hospital time to look forward to, he was pretty banged up and would heal.  His bike totaled.  And we would see him one more time, where our true colors would again be on display.  Seems Frank has another brother Mike, who shuns Jesus and Christians in particular.  He probably knows men like the so called leaders who were too busy to even listen.  But somehow happened to be in the area that weekend, and three brothers who hadn’t seen each other very much, were gathered together in a hospital room.  And after praying for Tracy, Frank pulled me aside and told me of his brother Mike.  Somehow he had seen the love of real Christian men and women, not the church crowd type, and had joined hands and bowed and prayed with us.  A first time he would even acknowledge Jesus.  He was able to see the true colors of Jesus, and Frank was blown away.  Again what the devil had meant for evil, God had a different idea.  A  miracle for Frank, but proving how God has everything under control...even when we are out of control.

If you remember, Satan accusing Job of being one of God’s pretty boys, and challenging God to test him.  But like any good attorney, when God asked him “have you considered my servant Job,” he knew Job knew him well enough, and the agreement was set, by God, you cannot take his life.  To Satan he couldn’t care less about Job, he just wanted to be God.....if only for a moment.  Sometimes I wonder if in my trials and tribulations God is not bragging on some of us.  To prove his sovereignty, but also to grow us in him.  I cannot think of a bad time when God didn’t have everything under his control, and all we had to do was obey and turn to him.  Just like we did on the side of the road....where our true colors and God’s true colors shined that afternoon.  And how he used an accident to heal three brothers relationships. 

We never like the test, but it is important to remember Job was given twice of what he had before.  David slew Goliath, and Joseph ended up rescuing his brothers and reuniting his family.  Too often we only look at the situation when we should be looking to God.  To the one who so loved us he sent his only son Jesus to die for us, so our relationship with him could be rescued.  That day our character was tested, who do our lives really say Jesus is?  Both Martha and Mary had priorities when Jesus came to visit, Jesus reminded Martha the importance of them, both were needed, but Mary saw the big picture, it wasn’t about here, it was abut Jesus.  His words, “Mary has chosen better, it will not be taken away from her.”  There will be other meetings, rallies, and emergencies.  Who Jesus is in your life will show....who are you trying to impress, a group of people or God.....Don’t answer....you may not like the truth....or your true colors exposed.

And of course we all remember the good Samaritan don’t we?  So please, don’t put your colors on your back if it isn’t what’s in your heart.  You will be tested!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com