While getting some fine points ironed out on Theresa’s birthday present, a
2015 Mustang convertible, red of course, the dealer loaned us cars from their
pre-owned, used car selection. Nice cars, still within the new range of a year
old, but not her Mustang. And I wondered how many people just bought cars like
this, throw away non-descript but reliable transportation, but with all the
excitement of being in a coma, I was in one for 8 days. And I don’t remember
anything other than waking up. So we were delighted when we got her car back,
and I thought about cars I’ve owned, and cars I wouldn’t own, and cars I never
have owned. Most based on perception...
I have never owned a Volvo, although those sport wagons from the early
seventies had some class to them. But otherwise too practical, plus I won’t
wear a beret or smoke a pipe. And from what I can see, those cars had to be
safety minded because their owners weren’t. Safety isn’t going 50 on the
freeway, in the fast lane! I have never owned a Chrysler product, and now since
FIAT owns them, I don’t see myself ever owning one. Something about that
Chrysler crank, remember that starter noise from the sixties, that made you
wonder if parts were coming off? And what about the rear view mirror on the
dash so you can’t see? Great motors, accelerated rusting of bodies, but the
cops loved them, and Jake Blues owned one. MOPAR-Move Over Parts Are Rusting.
The suicide doors on the early sixties Lincolns are cool, but always out of my
price range. Stately and elegant, but not the same class as the 1967 Sedan De
Ville I owned once. No wonder GM used to rule the world. I almost bought an
Oldsmobile once, but now they’re gone, and came close to a few Pontiacs, RIP
too. But cars I would like to own, never have, but still would like too, if
even in my dreams.
I would like to have an old Studebaker pickup, from before the Lark front
end was grafted on. Or a 1960 Chevy pickup, with those ugly eyebrows, cool. A
1965 Chevy Impala Super Sport, red with black interior and black vinyl roof, 4
on the floor, like Scotty’s brother had. I’ve owned three Rabbits, even an
early 1975, but never a Bug, but Theresa did when we got married, does that
count? A Super Beetle at that...A 1969 Chevelle SS396, the go fast car in my
high school parking lot, burnouts at 3 everyday, bring your own bleach. But its
seems the car I owned said something about me, but the cars I didn’t own said
even more. But what of my wish list, notice used cars, fleet cars, and newer
models aren’t mentioned. Am I stuck in the past, or hasn’t the future caught up
to me yet? Is there something intrinsic about the older cars missing in new
ones. Do I remember they were new once also, and who in 1960 would ever think
their old work truck would be desirable over 50 years later? I could go on
about Kaisers, Corvettes-white 1962 with silver cove please, another 1950 Buick
with that toothy grill, or even a Corvair, but never a Chrysler, Volvo, FIAT,
VW, or a sedan, of any make. You see there are cars in my family tree that are
there for a reason, just as there are cars that aren’t. For a reason. But
together make up our automotive family, our community of cars.
But as much as some cars are only desired, some are purchased. The ones I
haven’t owned remain that way for a reason, they just don’t fit me. They may be
desirable, but not ownable, and therefore are not part of my auto family or
history. People are like that too, and I tire of hearing how we are all
children of God, especially from other Christians when the Bible tells us we are
not. That being a child of God is bestowed upon those who are saved, and as
salvation is a gift, so is being part of God’s family. The invite is there, but
many don’t answer yes, but still can to claim the rights. God still loves them,
and his spirit is still calling them to Jesus to be saved, but they are not
family. Just like a car title, it says your name right there on the pink, and
without it you maybe renting, borrowing, or even making payments, but until the
title is in your name with no lien holder, it isn’t yours.
Satan held the title to us once, and Jesus paid it off. We are part of the
family, which consists of Jesus and his church us. And God designed the body
with Jesus as the head, we are the torso. And with no head, or headship, we
cannot function as we are designed to. So how do we get to be part of this body
of Christ? How do we become part of this living entity, how can we learn to
function as part of it? For one thing, we are not born into as an infant is,
but born again into it by the spirit. We believe Jesus as deity, confess our
sins, and we become part of the body. But since not all are born into this
body, how do we enter and then grow as one, for as we are one body, we each have
different functions. Again by the spirit, born again, then driven by the spirit
given us upon salvation. The spirit baptizes us into one body, the baptism
predicted by John the Baptist and fulfilled by Jesus himself. Revealed on the
day of Pentecost, and continually fulfilled everyday in those who have turned to
Jesus. We don’t go to church, we are the church.
But the church was never designed to be a group of religious people
designed to meet together to enjoy mutually linked and desired functions. It
should never be a clique. It is to be alive in the spirit, we are to be alive
in the same life, belonging to the same God, filled by the same spirit, who
gives us spiritual gifts, who are intended to work together to function as one.
That is the church, us. To be ambassadors, to change the world in Christ by his
spirit. We are not many bodies or denominations, but one body with Jesus as the
head, and expressing his love through us. Yet many add Jesus to the list of
things they don’t have, or sadder yet don’t desire.
The Book of Life will be the title to heaven, and to whom we belong. With
no title, no ownership, with no Jesus no entry. You may desire the things of
heaven, even go to church, but your God may be a rental car, an SUV, or a mini
van, trying to fit in with the rest, accepted but not saved. Some cars are just
transportation, a life in Christ is much more. It is exciting, vibrant,
surprising, and alive. More than just a function, he is life. And gives you
life. We live in a sedan world, your God doesn’t need to be. Breakout and find
joy in the spirit. Enjoy the abundant life Jesus promises for you, while here
on earth. You may not ever own the car of your dreams, but you can have your
dreams fulfilled in Christ. For one bright shining moment you may enjoy that
new car smell, but you can have that sweet smell of salvation forever.
Now about cars I never owned....blame it on motorcycles, but that’s a
different story.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com