2 minute read
Spyke & Mike
RONNIE and EMILY’S RONNIE and EMILY’S
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CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION
Years ago, I had two businesses, one of which used promotions and contests to encourage its’ associates to work hard so they could earn prizes. I’ll never forget the grand prize for one such convention – a brand-new custom chopper. The winner could choose from either the bike, and it was awesome, or $35,000 in cash.
Picture this, a slightly raked out front end, an S&S motor, and if it wasn’t rubber, leather or painted blue and yellow, it was chrome! It was hands down the most beautiful bike I had ever seen, and 25 years later, it still makes my heart beat. And the winner, a little old lady, passed the cash so her husband could take her for rides on that gorgeous chariot. When I saw the bike on the convention floor I was filled with covetousness, I just didn’t know better at the time. I didn’t even have a bike of any kind when that all happened, but I wanted that lady’s bike.
There was another situation that caused me to covet some of my friends because of their incredible skills at slow speed riding. It just amazes me when I see the skill some folks have with two wheels. When I first noticed that I was having feelings of covetousness or envy, I was momentarily embarrassed for myself. When I stopped focusing on what I could not do on a bike and learned to appreciate my friends’ riding talents, everything got better, including my handling of my bike. It is still an ongoing process of practicing and learning and trying to pick up pointers when I see great riding skills. I have the same type of bike; the big variable appears to be time devoted to riding and riding often. When I learn to overcome my jealousy and envy, I will find myself no longer coveting those friends who ride so well.
The Bible addresses the issue of coveting. In Exodus 20:17 we are told, “Don’t set your heart on anything that is your neighbor’s.” (The Message) It is normal to appreciate things, be they physical or emotional. The issue at hand is not to want something in spite of it belonging to someone else. If we covet something, we set our hearts on that item, trying to get what we want, even if it takes inappropriate actions such as stealing and conniving in order to take possession of the desired item. This is true, not only for physical items such as homes, cars, or motorcycles, but for emotional issues, such as breaking marriage vows and relationships. This can lead to lusting after someone else’s spouse, or to broken promises. The sad part is that such actions can harm those not even aware of the coveting. Even children feel the pain of betrayal. Learn as I did, to lean on God to provide the contentment that will overcome coveting. When you do your best, God will do the rest!