I was told the intro story here from the pulpit, by a Pentecostal
evangelist, years ago. Who also threatened you with the wrath of God if you
didn't listen to him. It is his story, but true. He begins...
Have you ever noticed in certain churches where the pastor is dressed to
the 10's? He has on the latest styled suit, his hair is perfect, and has been
sprayed many times to make sure it doesn't move. White shoes, white belt, and
the lapels to go with it, he is stylin'. Perfect creases in his pants, double
kit of course, a monogrammed shirt with cuff links, no buttons here, and he may
have more invested in this one outfit than most in the pews own. He "owes" it
to God's people to look good, so that his message is received better, and few
leave not commenting on how good he looks. Even fewer remember the message he
brought. Just what was the message is still open for discussion.
Then there is his wife. She has her long, long hair in a bun. Which
hasn't been cut or trimmed in years, for religious purposes. She wears flats,
black, so as to appear a lesser stature than her perfectly coiffed husband.
Sometimes she is taller, can't have that. And never walks next to him, but a
few steps behind. Her dress may have come from a second hand store, or is ready
for one. If bought new, it probably wasn't in style then either. The style was
popular once, just not among anyone with style. Its length stylishly meets the
middle of her shin, no sign of knee ever to be seen, here or at home, it has no
neckline, a doily collar, long sleeves with a tissue rolled up in one of them,
and is usually a shade of light blue, or some other pastel. Her glasses mimic
the 50's, except no retro here, making her look the same age, although she is
15-20 years younger. NO makeup, as that would upset those in the pews, she has
a natural look of despair about her, a sort of pre-casket white, she would look
natural if embalmed, and is usually addressed as Sister, never Mrs. She is
humble, provides a good home, and secretly wants to go clothes shopping, some
jeans or shorts would be so comfortable, but she could never let her husband
know. It is all about him, not her, and her humility outshines his opulence.
Besides, there is no more room in the clothing budget after he shops each
month. It takes her 10 minutes to dress, while he is in the bathroom for an
hour. Good thing they have daughters, or she would never get a chance at the
bathroom.
Sound familiar? I have been in churches like this. One bringing attention
to himself by being stylish, and one bringing attention to herself by NOT being
stylish. I like Greg Laurie's comment on this, he of Harvest Crusade. "If the
house needs painting, paint it!" Yet so many go to extremes to prove themselves
holy. Like a friend told me once about watching a man with a collar in public,
"good thing he wore that collar, I never would have known he was a Christian."
Sad statement. Maybe an old customer named Carl said it best. He would come in
once a week to have his oil checked, and would always greet us with "just
dropped my wife off at the beauty parlor for an estimate." Never met his wife,
but if she had a beauty budget like Carl's car budget, that may have been one
whopper of an estimate.
This weekend is Memorial Day, and for many towns this means car shows. A
chance for car owners to get out after a long winter, and show off their prized
possessions. Some will be lovingly used, and driven to the show. But too many
anymore, are trailered. And won't even drive on the dew wet grass! They have
over restored their cars, with powder coated frames, towels over the upholstery
so it won't fade, 21 coats of paint, then clear coats, and even pushing the
car-not wanting to damage the engine by running it. The owner thinks his
beautiful restoration is to be worshipped, but no car ever left any assembly
line like this. It is like the pastoral example above, overdone. And no one
except the owner or others who have over indulged, care for it. No one
associates with it. For most others, like me, like the original ones. The ones
where the paint has a certain patina. Wear marks on the pedals, and is driven
regularly. It is enjoyed, and used as designed. And has been places, seen
things, and been met by people. It has memories to share, and people want to
listen. Bite marks on the seat cover where Jr. teethed on a family trip. Maybe
a magazine between the spare and hold down, so it won't rattle. Even the decals
in the window tell a story about where it has been, causing others to open up
and share similar trips. And get this, maybe even a map or two in the glove
box, not folded correctly, of course. Fondly invading a past, that the over
restored car may have come from, but has no memory of. Been there, may have
done that, just no memory of it. It has life, not sure what the other has. But
not interested either.
It has been said that a well worn Bible is a good sign of a life that
isn't. I like that. So here is the dare. Step out from whatever religious
foothold you are snared in and trust Jesus. Just go out and be the person He
wants you to be. Listen to some older saints share how it used to be. Get
excited when you start making memories of your own. Get your hands dirty, too.
Don't be afraid of the person next to you, just because he is different. Start
clapping with the music, maybe even sing! We all notice you haven't been.
True, this person's paint may be faded, but his is heart pure. His smile is
contagious, and goes on after the song stops. You may want to be a great
blessing to him, but he may be an even bigger blessing to you! Talk with him
and find out! It is called freedom, and it only comes from the spirit.
Man looks at the outer appearance, but God looks at the heart. A pretty
package more than once has made me buy a product I didn't like, or pay too much
for. Don't fall into that trap. If more money has been spent on the outside
than the inside, take time to re-evaluate your life. And if you care to honk
and wave at those pushing their collector car onto a trailer why you drive by in
yours, wear a smile. One that comes from the heart. You're having fun, all he
saw was the grass on the tires, and hours of clean-up when he gets home. Just
use extra napkins when you stop for a sundae, and talk about how much fun you
had at the show. And if your wife needs an estimate at the beauty parlor,
invest in it. Maintenance is still cheaper than repairs. May just improve the
heart too. And from where you stand, she just might look prettier than the day
you met her. Again, more precious memories.
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but true beauty comes from the
heart of God. From within. In church as well as car shows, we always can
associate more with those with a little wear on the paint, and some dirt on the
tires. Which are not an option, but only found from having been there. They
come from life. So go out and live, make some memories today. If Jesus could
write in it, it should be good enough to walk in! And leave the hairspray at
home.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com