Face up to it-the only time most of you care at all about your tires is when one goes flat on you. True, isn't it? Up until that moment that your round donut loses its air, you just take them for granted that they will hold air and last forever. And you would be wrong. I used to be amazed at the condition of tires I saw when a service advisor. Tires 11-15 pounds underinflated, and the owner wondering why the steering feels weird. Or his fuel mileage was down. I have seen cord showing where there should be tread, and been told by the mother driving the mini van that "they've looked like that for weeks." And then being told how she bought the mini van to keep her kids safe. And when I offered to replace them, would get the I'll do it elsewhere where it's cheaper-and finding nothing more expensive than when stupidity leaves you on the side of the road. Cheap can equal stupid-results always the same. Not their fault.
And I would see this very often in the "mommy cars." The one that some magazine who feels about cars like the government feels about you, telling you what is safe and what isn't. Hint-safest car you'll ever drive is one that isn't in an accident. But despite warnings, these people persevere, many times at the expense of others. So here is a list of cars to avoid while riding. No apologies if you are listed.
Watch out for Volvo owners-some 35 years ago they advertised themselves as the safest car, and the liberals believed it. Shedding all responsibility for driving skills, they wield these cars like the Ginsu chef does his knives, never looking in their rear view mirrors to see the trouble they've caused as they drive their safe car, unsafely. The past can't influence the future, can it?
Any mini van, and the worst are ones driven by women under the influence of children. Wonder why your kids are squirrelly? They inherited it, from all the personal time you spent with them. Maybe hang up the cell phone, turn off the DVD player, turn of the radio, and talk to your kids. All these communication devices are a poor substitute for communication-aka conversation. Hang up and drive-now that's a safety feature anyone can use. Quick-can you name all your kids before you can tell me what song is on the radio?
I can go on and on-but I will close with the testosterone laden group of men who put the ultra low profile tires on their cars. Rim protectors, we referred to them as, and besides ruining the quality of the ride, and wearing out faster-do little to enhance handling-sorry tests proved it. In fact years ago, using a new Corvette, Car and Driver found that the handling hardly diminished when using the donut spare! You probably won't see that in advertising!
You see, I have a theory, untested, unscientific, but somewhat reliable. You can tell what a person's life is like by the condition of their car. And I'm usually spot on. Scary, huh. But the sad side is, many of us live with more consideration of our car, than of God. How many of you are living on borrowed time? You have been warned about your condition, but like a bad tire haven't gone flat yet? Or crashed?
The signs are there, but you ignore them. And when you do crash, take someone with you-the Fosdick Syndrome. And you walk away-they take all the abuse. Maybe today that self evaluation time with God can spare you from this. It may not be painless, but beats the alternative-and yes, you may have to change your ways. And be better for it!
The signs are there, but you ignore them. And when you do crash, take someone with you-the Fosdick Syndrome. And you walk away-they take all the abuse. Maybe today that self evaluation time with God can spare you from this. It may not be painless, but beats the alternative-and yes, you may have to change your ways. And be better for it!
Have you noticed lately how you just aren't as joyful as you used to be? Has the world, and all it has to offer, gotten between you and God? Like the parent in the mini van, have you let the things of the world interfere, and take the place of one on one with God, thinking that because your friends do it is OK? Not hearing from God? Maybe you are just not listening. Ask your kids-you may be surprised, and may not like the answer. Ask God about your relationship with Him-aren't you glad He is patient, unlike you in traffic?
Do you live like you own a Volvo? Just because you are under the illusion you are OK, do you not see the need for God in your life? When sin is mentioned, do you reply "well, I've never killed anyone." Forgetting there are nine other commandments, and neglecting that Jesus told you that if you regard them in your heart, you have already committed them?
Or is your life primarily a "me first" existence. Which really means the heck with all you others? It's all about me, then you, if I have time. Is this how your relationship with God is perceived? Losing control just to be trendy, and falling prey to the next trend that comes along, not realizing the friend at the custom shop is only your friend because of your spending habits. Aren't you glad Jesus never goes out of style?
The answer to all is repent. Turn from the wrong way, to God's way. God likes nice things, fast cars, and the latest fads. But He loves you, and sees what the lust of the flesh, and eyes can do to you . He doesn't want anything to come between you and Him. The question is do you? Maybe what started small has taken you over, seek God. Watch as Jesus fills the void, and relieves the pressure. Let him add life to your style. He may point out the bad tires, your lack of driving skills, or mention all the distractions in your life. But He will also show you how to fix them, in a loving way. But you must let Him.
I used to tell people "the parts are here, the techs are here, and your car is here. It is easier to fix it now, than later on the side of the road." Your decision, like the Fram commercial said, "pay me now, or pay me later." If you don't have time for God now, how do expect to find time for Him later?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
