"Best of all...it's a Cadillac" their ads used to say. And as the ultimate in automotive luxury for over 75 years, they were also known as the Standard of the World. So in an age after WWII when luxury meant longer, lower, and wider-they also added high performance V-8 engines, tail fins, and every option you could think of to make their car the ultimate in luxury, and a car that all up and coming businessmen aspired to. Your final destination in your evolution of car ownership had to be a Cadillac. For it was like the ads said, plus it allowed the world to know you were someone and had arrived in life.
And into the 70's, Cadillac had no peer, its closest competition coming from Lincoln, and sometimes Imperial. But it was always a Cadillac that you longed for. And up until the 1977 model year they were the longest-some over 21' long, compare that to your 20' garage, with engines up to 472 cubic inches-compare that to a wimpy 4.1 litre, and with over 400 horsepower and a torque rating exceeding 500-more than some of the heavy duty diesel pickups of today. If excessive meant luxury, these were the most luxurious in any category. Bench seats, no buckets eats here. You could be seen with your wife/girlfriend/mistress riding together, right next to you. Remember how romantic that was? And with over a 100,000 Coupe De Villes sold then, you didn't need to ride in a stodgy old four door-they could even make a 2 door, 5000 pound car look sexy and fast.
My friend, mentor, and chiropractor-Gerald had a 1976 Coupe de Ville. A root beer color, with tan leather and a tan leather top, it took up most of the space in front of their house. And couldn't be parked in the garage, as the dip in the driveway was too much, and the rear bumper would drag-remember those times. With a Mafia rated four body trunk, it was just as long in the back, as it was in the front. And the fact it was a 1976 was critical, as GM had decided to downsize their cars for the 1977 model year. Factors such as fuel economy, and availability contributed, but also smaller luxury makes from Europe were invading the market, and a demand was there. But Gerald and his generation still believed in the bigger is better, and clung to the old style cars. Much talk, and courage was needed to buy the new downsized version-it was some 13-19 inches shorter, weighed 1000 pounds less, and had a smaller motor-it was the size of a large Ford at the time-and don't think Ford with its LTD missed reminding you of that in their ads. An era of automotive design, and excessive opulence had come to an end, and for many it meant hanging on to their older car rather than trading every other year-or every year as the styles used to change yearly, and who wanted to get caught in last years model. That was so-middle class. But suddenly, with the tables turned on them-it was the cool thing to keep your larger Cadillac. At least for a couple of years until the public either accepted the smaller version, or rejected them and big came back. Like the Bible says, to he who is given much, much is expected-and Cadillac gave them all they needed in a car, and more.
Paul also says in his letter to the Philippians, "I have been poor, and I have been rich, I know how to get through both situations-I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." And truly we can, too. For even as the world draws us into the web of lust and luxury-it provides no way out, and little consolation for the not as well endowed, aka the poor. Whereas the world looks to the government, or monthly payments, Paul advises us to look to Christ. And not look at the situation.
But many do not take this advice. As in the past year, when the world economy sank, I have seen my own home lose 50% of its value. Wiped out my 401k, all while I sat helplessly. I know men who were millionaires, and lost their businesses and homes, reduced to employee status again, instead of employer. Sometimes taking a toll on family and health. Knowing both luxury, and then being glad just to have the basics. A life change that can be disastrous, without Christ. Fortunately I chose Jesus, the right decision. You see happiness is based on situations-ask the Charger fans. Before the game jubilant-after disappointed and bummed. Same team-just different circumstances. That is why Paul counts it all joy to know Christ, and why we should turn only to Him in all situations. He never changes-no money shortage in heaven, or payments missed. No overpaid bankers, or government lies and involvement-just Jesus.
And He doesn't change, which is why we look to Him in all situations. He has taken us, and many like us, through tough times, with a smile on our face, and also in our hearts. No matter what the need, He is adequate in seeing that it is met. And after asking, is faithful to complete the good work He has started in us. Recently I was reminded of this, when I received an e-mail from a woman in Theresa's Bible study. She had miscarried, and the baby was still in her womb. Her husband had lost his job, they had no insurance, and no money-$5000 needed for the operation to complete her stillborn pregnancy. But she is a woman of faith, and gave the situation to Jesus. And waited, while He waited with her. Finally after a few days a call came from church-someone had stepped up when hearing of the need, and given the money-all of it needed, for the surgery! Blessing both the giver and the receiver. And we stand in awe of what Jesus will do in your situation, if you only seek Him and let Him. You see more important than the luxury afforded by the world, is the luxury of knowing Jesus, and letting Him into your life.
And He doesn't change, which is why we look to Him in all situations. He has taken us, and many like us, through tough times, with a smile on our face, and also in our hearts. No matter what the need, He is adequate in seeing that it is met. And after asking, is faithful to complete the good work He has started in us. Recently I was reminded of this, when I received an e-mail from a woman in Theresa's Bible study. She had miscarried, and the baby was still in her womb. Her husband had lost his job, they had no insurance, and no money-$5000 needed for the operation to complete her stillborn pregnancy. But she is a woman of faith, and gave the situation to Jesus. And waited, while He waited with her. Finally after a few days a call came from church-someone had stepped up when hearing of the need, and given the money-all of it needed, for the surgery! Blessing both the giver and the receiver. And we stand in awe of what Jesus will do in your situation, if you only seek Him and let Him. You see more important than the luxury afforded by the world, is the luxury of knowing Jesus, and letting Him into your life.
I don't know how long Gerald hung onto that '76 Coupe de Ville, but I know this woman will hang onto Jesus forever. You see love, never goes out of style. Has no yearly model changes, doesn't respond to public outcry, and never goes on vacation. God and His love are always present-a Standard of the World, but really a Standard from Heaven. Styles change-He doesn't. So in your next or current situation-look to the cross, instead of your problem/situation. The answer is there-a someone instead of a something. And doesn't that make it that much more personal. Gerald loved his car, but his car could never love Him. A stark contrast to why we love God-because He loved us first.
Best of all-He's Jesus!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com