Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/601524
I went feeling vindicated with my precious ego intact but somehow I didn't feel right, like someone was trying to whisper in my ear. Heading for the coast on a scenic highway, ten minutes after encountering the pleasant couple on the Harley, two riders were approaching from the other direction and as we passed each other, I gave my customary wave. These two fine young gentlemen vigorously extended me their middle fingers in a display of their IQ. I must have not looked "Biker" enough to be worthy of a wave from these guys. My initial reaction was to flip a U-turn and chase these punks down and explain to them that sitting on the couch drinking beer and watching Sons of Anarchy reruns while wearing an "M.C." shirt from Walmart doesn't make you a tough guy. Some people consider me a tough guy since I own a martial arts studio / gym and spend my days sparring and working out. Despite this I don't go around flipping people off. I live the "Judged by twelve or carried by six" lifestyle and have no interest in courtrooms or funeral parlors. Since I am a Christian it leads me back to the same question. What would Jesus do? Do you remember the fig tree? It didn't have fruit so with a simple word He cursed it to wither and never bear fruit again. Those two punks don't seem like the fruit bearing types so if I see them again it will be time to make them wither! Down the road I go justified to do as I please but somehow I didn't feel right, as if someone was trying to whisper in my soul, again. After I got home that afternoon and cleaned my bike, I replayed the day in my mind. That whisper in my soul became loud and clear. I thought of all of the times I have been a member of the brood of vipers and all of the times I did not bear fruit (the entire 1980's). All of the many sins I have committed and continue to commit daily came flooding into my mind. I realized that I am worse than any of the people I stood in judgement of. Thank God for His grace and forgiveness. Even for a wretch like me. We need to be careful when using biblical references to build our case or to serve our own purpose. It's a good thing Jesus isn't the mean guy I excerpted Him to be while I tried to get Him to fit my purpose. He is not mean but instead is kind, loving, and forgiving while still being the ultimate tough guy. When faced with any temptation, He was able to resist it. When faced with abuse, He could have called in legions of angels to protect Him but chose not to. At any time he could have used His true strength to show his persecutors who the real boss was. Jesus was meek by choice not necessity. Let's not forget that He also flipped over the tables of the money changers and drove them out of the temple with a whip because He had zeal for His Father's house. Jesus never defended Himself; He was only angered when His Father in Heaven was disrespected. My non-believing friends love to try to excerpt God's Word (the Bible) to bolster their case that there is either no God at all or at the very least that he is bad in some way. They routinely misquote or take verses out of context from a book they have never read. It always amazes me how the same people who deny God's existence are the first to blame him when a tragedy strikes. In a world or country where God has been pushed out of every aspect of life, don't be surprised if He honors your choice and leaves you alone. Make up your mind folks, either He exists or He does not. I've got news for you, He does exist and He is good all of the time! 24 GraceRiderMag.com November /December 2015