The Rolling Stones once sang “you can’t always get what you want,” and it
may be hard to find anyone who disagrees with that rock lyric. But can you
always get what you asked for? Different question, different attitude. But as
we watch a young Michael Jagger wiggling around on stage, think about what you
ask for, because you just may get it. But you may not get what you mean. I was
selling cars for Key AMC Jeep, with a friend named Chambless. He was a
character, and a very good friend. Think of the most interesting character you
know, Chambless tops them. In fact it wasn’t even his real last name, he
changed it because he liked the sound of it, and partially to hide from his
past. For instance, one afternoon we walked into a credit bureau, and he asked
to see his report. Then had the girl update it, making him the highest credit
rating they had seen, just on his word. Right in front of us. She even
participated, showing him what not to report, as he continued to make it all
up! And this creativity continued on into his car selling career. The few
months I was there, he was the top salesman, with one sale that the dealership
will never forget. It earned them the highest profit gross profit in the
dealership’s history. As follows-
Saturdays were always the busiest day, and they even bought lunch for all
of us. Chambless was in rare form that morning, when an older man came in, in
his fifties. Remember this was 35 years ago. We were all much younger then.
He had a clean F150 with a camper shell to trade in on an economy car. Remember
gas was expensive at 65 cents/gallon back then. He wanted $2600 for his truck,
someone had told him that was the Blue Book value, and $300 cash back in the
deal. So Chambless took him to the back row, where all the lesser cards were
kept, including the only economy car on the lot, an old Mazda. Even too old for
Bruce’s lot, who made a living selling cheap cars at $300 profit per car, and
averaged 30 cars a month, selling these “pots” as he referred to them. A
character, and just the guy Chambless could depend on, as he too was a
character. He had lost an ear in an accident, and they had saved it by sewing
it into his stomach, for reattachment later. He would pull his hair back to
show you where the ear should be, then lift his shirt, showing you the scar
where it was. Big belly and all. But he sold cars, and many came to the ear in
the belly man.
So as Chambless demoed the car for the customer, he agreed to the old man’s
wishes. A car that should have sold for $300 was sold for $2900! Giving the
man $2600 for his truck, and giving him a check for $299, best he could do. And
the man drove off happy, until he came back a few hours later. And we all
scattered, as the man had brought a friend, and was furious. “You ripped me
off!” he accused Chambless, and began to threaten him, never a good thing for an
ex-Vegas bouncer. He let the man vent, then calmly went over the deal with
him. “Didn’t you want a car that got better mileage than your truck?” “Yes.”
“And didn’t you tell me you wouldn’t take less than $2600 for your truck?”
“Yes.” “And didn’t I get you a check for almost $300 as you wanted, here I’ll
even give you the dollar out of my own pocket.” “Yes,” he agreed, as he waved
off the dollar offer. “Then what is your problem, you got everything you
wanted?” And faced with the truth, per Chambless, had to agree, shook his hand,
and left. And we all came out from hiding. Courage and patience under fire,
proving what you ask for may not always be what you mean. And in this case, the
man “tried sometime, you’ll get what you need.” Apologies to Michael
Jagger.
I watch as many young, and sadly some older Christians think God is a sugar
daddy, not the candy. “Ask anything you want, and God will give it to you” they
misquote the scripture. And when denied, they blame God, curse Jesus, and tell
everyone who will listen, and many who don’t care to, that religion doesn’t
work. And they would be right-religion doesn’t! But the will of God does,
something they forgot when misquoting the verse. We are to agree with God, not
have Him agree with us. Don’t rub the lamp expecting a genie to arrive, open
your heart and let Jesus in. Let Him be God, and become more like Him, not
bring Him down to our level. Scripture has much to say about asking, from wrong
motives to lack of faith, but Jesus never wavers. He always does what is best
for us, it is called grace. He is both a deal maker, salvation, and deal
breaker-sin. And it even works when buying used cars! If only the man had
asked God, and not leaned on his own understanding. Of course, we would never
make that mistake...
I listened to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans sing about “trusting God today, and
not worrying about tomorrow. Just like the Bible says,” and it is true. We so
often worry about tomorrow without considering the events of today and
considering their impact on tomorrow. We may not always be in the market for a
used car, but we can always fall prey to our pride. So PRAY instead of being
PREY. Ask God, then listen for His answer. It may amaze you, but will always
bless you. It is called grace, and is free. Unlike many life lessons that cost
us dearly, and not always money.
So you can always get what you want in Jesus. Just ask, and He’ll answer.
Not your selfish desires, but what is best for you. He will guide you beside
still waters, and give you peace in the storm. An umbrella when it rains, and
cool water when it is hot. Forgoing things and giving us Himself. Not a bad
deal, heaven included. And remember that no is still an answer. I hear it a
lot, and have come to realize each no brings us closer to a better yes. All we
have to do is trust and obey. And not ask foolishly, and show some respect to
God when we ask. Think about it, would you really want to worship and respect a
God who you could control? When so much of the day we are out of control?
Aren’t you glad God isn’t?
Jesus Christ will always be the best deal. If we pay too much, He makes up
the difference. If we get taken, He is there to console us. But if we ask
anything in His name, He will honor it, according to His riches and glory. Many
good deals are found in the back row of used car lots. Better to listen to the
offer first, than go in waving cash to spend. Listen to God, then answer. Ask,
then listen. And when He repeats back the deal for you, it is the best one for
you. Not the other way around. Praise God from whom ALL blessing flow. And if
a man with one ear, or named Chambless introduces themselves to you, say you are
just looking. And look elsewhere. Getting what you need. Or to quote Aretha,
“what you want, baby I got it...” Not just another used car story from the
Twilight Zone.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com