When I worked for Mercedes Benz they had an advertising campaign "In a perfect world, everybody would drive a Mercedes Benz." And from a corporate sales perspective, what a great line. More sales of Mercedes Benz making the world a better place, for them. But to us in the service department, where the banner hung-poor placement or prophetic warning-we had a different perspective-more business for us, we knew better. OH, and that perfect world, it slipped a notch or two when you told them that their perfect car will need repairs, and we can schedule you in two weeks for an appointment. Two perfect worlds-both in the eye of the beholder. And as always, the service department repaired a lot of less than perfect cars-but never did get the car world perfect-unless you consider job security perfection! We hoped you all drove them.
We recently bought a truck for Andrew-a work truck, and looking for a used vehicle from a private party can be an interesting experience. And like I told him, everybody has a different definition of what a cherry vehicle is. I looked at one Ranger, described by its owner as best truck he ever owned, and when I saw it wondered what other wrecks he might have had in the past. I wouldn't let someone I don't like drive it. The only good view of it was looking in your rear view mirror as you rode away. And while I was standing there, disappointed but not amazed, two women pulled up in one one worse, and got out and said-"this is pretty nice," and wrote the number down to call the owner. It's a good thing I don't scare easily-or I would have!
But as we continued to look, you also get to interpret ads, and finally found the truck we wanted. Perfect was as she described it, and it wasn't. But for its age and true condition it was a great deal. And the lady who sold it, it was her late husband's pride and joy, to her it was perfect, as it reminded her of him, and good time spent in it. And after a quick detailing and oil change, didn't look its age-or act it either. In fact when I totaled up all the bills she gave me, her husband had spent more in the last few years on repairs than I paid for it. And for what we need, and for what we paid-it truly is the perfect truck.
Now it was not what we started out to find, but God had it in mind for us the whole time. You see even trusting God in buying used trucks is important. He even tells us to trust Him rather than man or princes. Include used car ads in that. He wants to be part of all your life, not just when you need something or have gotten in trouble-again. 1Thessalonians gives some good advice in chapter 5, verses 14-22. Not laws, as verse 19 emphasizes, but walking with God, living in the spirit. Or better yet, listening in the spirit. Rules that with or without God would make this a more perfect world, but maybe not make your car run better. But when combined with a relationship with Jesus Christ, make a huge difference.
We are told to rejoice always, giving thanks-for this is the will of God. I was at first disappointed by the wretched truck I looked at, but later was able to rejoice it was so bad, as the one God has provided is truly better. With less miles for less money. He tells us to test all things-you who belong to ministries especially need to do this! Just because elders, or execs in your ministry say to do this or that, or get a new vision and then all under them follow like lemmings, we do not need more rules-but need more of the spirit. And he warns us do not quench the spirit-as rules and laws do. So when He says pray without ceasing, He means it. Not always just asking, but thanking, praising, and even listening. Which when we do it changes our prayers, as we ask better when we know better. And receive better because we obeyed, and let God bless us.
If God can bless this Ford family with a Chevy-never thought to look for one, He can bless anyone. But you must let Him. A lot of people promise perfection like Mercedes Benz did, but only in Jesus Christ will you find it. He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.
God hears us, will we hear Him? Your answers depend on your acceptance and obedience to His reply. And you will be one step closer to that perfect world-no matter what you drive!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
