Over the years America has had a preoccupation with cubic inches, the
bigger the better. With the V-8 engine the one all others are measured by, or
at least used to. Over the years I have owned V-8’s, inline 6’s, 4 cylinders,
and V-6’s. At one time our motorcycle inventory consisted of 2 thumpers, 3
vertical twins, 3 three cylinders, and an inline 4. Working with Mercedes Benz
I became familiar with their V-12 motors, both the good and the bad. But with
the strive towards smaller turbocharged motors, all big engines with V’s and
multiple cylinders will be a thing of the past. “Grandpa, what’s a V-8?” It’s
s motor son, Chevy made millions of them, so did Ford and others.” As a hybrid
buzzes by unannounced, unnoticed, and around here, unwanted. Each motor the
same only different cylinder configurations...a lot like most people I
know.
The first car I drove legally was my parents Rambler Classic with a 232
six, they built them forever. Then a Pinto four, and my first car, a BMW 1600
four cylinder. My first V-8 was a 1973 El Camino, my biggest my 429 in the
1967 Cadillac. From 25 mpg to 6 mpg, the all got me where I needed to go,
mostly, and with different attitudes in each one. But things have changed since
we used to pop the hood and check the oil, unscrew the air cleaner cover, and
check the fluids. Covers now cover the engine, no more Ford blue, Mercury
yellow, Pontiac green, or Chevy orange. The color of raw castings covered by
plastic covers...with no instructions on how to remove them, and when you do,
how to make them fit right again. But each motor had its bad and good points,
with one in particular that stands out. It had personality, was as basic as it
could be, and was tied to a three on the tree trans. How many could shift one
of those today? It was a 1976 Chevy pickup, gray with the old style bed. Taken
in trade at the Ford dealer I was working at, I grabbed it for my
transportation. Fun and basic, no engine covers to hide its motor, and lots of
low end grunt. A far cry from the four valve, double overhead cam six in
Theresa’s Mustang. Tied to a six speed auto. And while both are fun to
drive....I still prefer the basic.
Which is why I still drive my 2003 Ford Ranger 3.0. Plastic floor mats and
an auto, the only concession. And every time I tell her I want an old truck,
she reminds me I have one. But now looking at the new 2019 Ranger with only one
motor, a four cylinder turbo, with 280 hp. In a truck....don’t worry honey, the
old Ranger still has a home here. And for those of us who really rather not
have a V-8, it does everything we need basic transportation for. Gaining in
value as its gets older, but I remind those who want it, it’s not for sale, and
only worth what it would sell for. Which will never be enough to get my
attention....
We could never imagine a world without V-8’s, now we can not imagine world
with them. Such is how time passes and things change. And how many regard
their walk with Christ. Effectively putting off the blessings of today for
tomorrow, when they have passed and they wonder why. Both Christian and
non-Christians look at time the same way, go for it now, get it while you can,
with nobody being able to see any difference. The world wants it now, big V-8
with all the accessories, a first class cabin, and all the power that is
available. But we are supposed to look at things in a heavenly perspective,
considering that what lays ahead of us is more important than what lies before
us today. While some live only to die with the most toys, or to leave a pretty
corpse, Jesus informs us that we have an eternal home in heaven, and all things
seen are temporal. Seems we have no interest in the things we cannot see,
giving them a lesser priority, failing to come to grips that he who has the most
toys still dies, no matter how pretty the corpse is. Party hearty, wear out
today’s body, replace it with new next year. From plastic surgery to Botox to
the hair club, we can keep up the appearance, but the performance suffers. Some
thinking as long as I can get parts I can keep the old one running, or like in
today’s market, you can build a brand new 1957 Chevy or 1965 Mustang with new
parts. But somehow it’s just not the same.
Jesus offers us an abundant life, which is more than toys. Car payments,
mortgages, and credit cards can own us, rather than owning the car, house, or
trips. If we truly believe that heaven awaits us, then how should we live?
Does our life only matter to us, or does it affect others? When Paul addressed
Philemon in regards to Onesimus, his decision would affect his family life, his
church body, and his public perception. And how he saw God and his mercy. We
are not told his answer, but the important thing to consider is what would be
your answer? While some worry about those in third world countries who have
never heard the word, what about those who have? What about you?
No matter the engine size or configuration, no matter the horsepower, we
will all have a final ride in the same black hearse. Not behind the wheel, not
even as a passenger. All the expensive cars and bikes will mean nothing, as the
same hearse will carry the guy who drove a hybrid. I hope not a hybrid hearse!
So maybe our time on earth is important and how we spend it too. God wants us
to have nice things, and he loves giving good gifts. And heaven is the best
one, and yet to come. Paint fades, engines wear out, and it’s time to trade.
Don’t trade your relationship with Jesus for something temporal. Don’t feed the
flesh thinking it will feed the spirit. It is just the other way around. Enjoy
Jesus today, thank him for how he has gotten us this far, and anticipate
tomorrow. Some memories are like the cars we drove, best left in the past. For
like the V-8 they were for a certain time. Only Jesus is forever. In the
beginning and in the end, and in the in-between. And for you smarties who tell
us how Jesus was in one Accord, was that a four or a six? Auto or stick? Two
door or four? But never a hybrid, never let anything blend in with your Jesus.
Never. Maybe time to check on your relationship, has it gone hybrid? Honda
makes bikes too.....you know.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com