WWJD - What Would Jesus Drive
Saturday, June 08, 2002 (11:44:38)

Posted by Rod

What Would Jesus Drive?I used to drive a 1989 Mercury station wagon up until a few weeks ago. It was beige and had wood on the sides. You know the type. Disgustingly practical, yet homely in the process. You can fit almost anything in it. With the seats up, you can transport an entire den of cubscouts. Lay the seats down and you can haul about one hundred bags of groceries. Okay, maybe 90 bags, but you get the idea.I bought the woody because it was practical and my 1974 Plymouth Satellite had the dying quivers. The front brakes on that car scraped and squealed so badly, I had to use the emergency brake to stop. (No kidding) When you stepped on the brakes, the dash lights would flicker. The heater didn't work and it had bouncy springs with bad shocks. Still, I was rather fond of the faithful AM radio. All in all, the car was a fashion statement, painted that icky yellowish color with rust accenting the lower half of the body.

For those too young to remember, the station wagon was the predecessor to the trendy minivans that were eventually replaced by the SUV. S.U.V. What a moniker! We used to call them "four by fours". Detroit changed the name to Sport Utility Vehicle and people stood in line to buy them. Owning an SUV helped millions of people become unique. Where I work, people driveBeemers (BMWs) and SUVs. They laughed at my car for a while, but soon realized that it didn't bother me in the least. Over time, their laughter turned to mild admiration and "Woody" became a symbol of brave practicality. Alas, the day came when Woody grew tired and cranky. Retirement beckoned and Woody answered the call. The frail engine died regularly on the highway, the tires were bald, the brakes were fading, and the power steering leaked so badly, it left a puddle everywhere I parked. It was no longer safe to drive. When I am done with a car, the car is done. I do NOT like buying a car. Cars cost more than I think they are worth and don't last as long as I think they should. Cars are a pathetic, but necessary purchase. Unlike the masses, I am not swayed with the latest collection of chrome and mudflaps or bells and whistles. A car is a means of transportation, period. It also helps if there is enough metal around you to protect you from the folly of rush hour. Those tinfoil covered rollerskates frighten me. I feel better with some real iron around me. I began looking for something that would be stable and strong, yet fit within my budget. I finally found a 1992 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. It was white, so it would not show the dirt. (I wash my car once a year on the average) The radio worked. So did the electric windows, mostly. The car was too fast and would take some getting used to. My kids say I drive too slooooow but they'll get over it. I figure 65mph means 65mph max, so that is how fast I will go, when the weather is good and the sun is shining and the wind is to my back... The price was right on the caddy so I decided to trade for this "new" car if they would would not charge me too much to take the wagon off my hands. As I coasted Woody into the car lot, I thanked God that He had given me a car that had been so faithful and thanked Him for the replacement. I handed the salesman the keys and soon I was driving away in almost vintage style. I was going to miss my old clunker, but felt safer in the new car. My wife was going to rest easier too. I think me driving Woody and the Plymouth gave her some gray hair. The first day I drove that new car to work, someone backed into the rear bumper, pushing it in about 2 inches. I was livid when I discovered the damage. How could anyone be so insensitive and treat someone else's property in this manner! I knelt down to assess the damage, shaking my head in disgust when I heard a small voice say "That's sort of like pride, isn't it?" !OUCH! I quickly stood up, this time assessing the damage to my soul. It was true. My attitude was changing with this new car. After all, driving the Woody was a humbling experience. This new car was definitely better looking. My nose was a little higher in the air than before. I stopped and prayed for forgiveness and gave God His car back. It was never mine in the first place. Americans love cars. They check their bank account to see if they can afford to be the first to own the latest glob of plastic that Detroit squirts out. Newer is better, right? What a great deal! One bazillion dollars and that beauty can be mine. If I can't afford it, maybe I'll lease it. Aluminum alloy wheels, dual overhead cam, 100,000 mile warranty and side air bags. They have zero down and 1.9% financing for 10 years. It must be a sign! Surely God wants me to have this car! Maybe I'll have the windows tinted and install a powerful stereo. Heads will turn when people see me drive down the street. Pride. Does God care what kind of car you drive? I am not so sure it matters as much as "how" you drive it and "why" you drive it. I John 2:15-16 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Lust of the flesh Lust of the eye Pride of life These are not of the Father, but of the world. Notice where it says if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Whoops! Take inventory and see if you have anything that fits into this description. Maybe it's you car, your house or your clothes. It could be your stereo or even your fine china. Lust of the flesh Lust of the eye Pride of life You can only be proud of something that belongs to you. Remember, that stuff never was yours to begin with. Give it back to God. He knows how to take care of things much better than we do. The next time you are off to buy a car, think "WWJD" - What would Jesus drive? It might put a whole new perspective on things. - Rod Copyright (c) Rod Use without permission is prohibited

11/21/02 - Francis Howard writes:
Message: I'm very pleased about the focus on SUV's. As for what WWJD, I'd liketo see Him in a fuel cell electric car. There are 168,000 websites about fuel cells, and various test fleets here and there. Buying petroleum is doingbusiness with the devil. He is now ready to kill as many people as it takes to steal Iraq's oil to sell to us so we can ruin the planet faster.

Rev Dave Bryan writes:
What would Jesus Drive? Let's go to the bible for the best answers okay...WhenJesus returns He according to Rev 19:11 will be riding a fast, powerfull, big,strong white war stalion, not a slow weak donkey, small burough. That translatesto the current times big powerfull on / off road SUV! In verse 14 we are ridingthe same horses with HIM! GO SUVs!!!!!