"But God, I really, really want it!" (Whiny voice not included.)
Here we are last weekend at Rides by the River, a vast monthly car show on the lovely Tampa waterfront with dozens of luxe, classic, and exotic cars. A long-standing family outing, I like cars and love my boys, soaking up every minute with my high school senior. We play at picking our favorites, and a highly impractical tiny white Porsche 911 made my shortlist. The price could about pay off my mortgage, and there’s no room for Costco or beach gear, but she sure is nice.
Where is this going, dear Isabella? You know how much I like to share my meandering, messy life lessons!
My minivan recently died. She needs a new timing belt, A/C compressor, and assorted other parts that currently add up to impossible for a single mom and writer. Plus, my minivan days are behind me. No more vanloads of stinky baseball players. (Where’s the tissue?). Plus-plus, I don’t really identify with mini-van-mom in this thrilling new season. That was a good season, but it’s passed.
A mechanic can spruce my old girl right up for many more miles of faithful service.
Thankfully, in a convenient irony, we still have Pierce’s first car, a 2005 Honda Accord coupe, which is in fine shape and free of charge. There's still little room for beach gear or Costco, but the price is right. Pierce was given his dad’s old car, a nearly new Chevy.
I confess I had a momentary pang of self-pity, being a very grown-up who can’t afford a new car, but I reminded myself that I’ve chosen to be home for my kids and pursue my dream of writing full-time; better late than never. All choices have tradeoffs, and if I pause with gratitude, I cannot complain for one minute because my life is blessed. BLESSED. And unfettered by car payments.
Moreover, even when I was very flush, I always drove used cars out of thrift and irritated at plummeting new car values. I’ve had some dolls, including my very favorite, a gunmetal gray 1987 T-top 300ZX. She was fast, fun, and affordable. What a combo! Another life.
Still. Being human and all, I had a moment and shook it off. So now I need to sell the van and consulted my brother, a car expert. Ambitious, talented, and hardworking, with a penchant for the finer things, my brother has always driven beautiful cars. He asked if I’d thought about selling them both and getting something else. I had not. My mind doesn’t work that way, but now the seed was planted.
I wasn’t off the phone two minutes when I scrolled through Facebook Marketplace, thrilled to find I could buy some cool cars for a modest sum. A navy VW Sport Sedan, an elegant 2011 pearl Mercedes-Benz e350, a functional black Jetta…all just a few thousand dollars.
“So affordable!” I thought.
"Newer model," I thought.
“Four doors are better than two,” I thought.
“More trunk space,” I thought.
"Wouldn't I look great behind the wheel, stylishly attired in the dress I got at Salvation Army 50% Wednesday?" I thought.
Ummm...That doesn't sound anything like "the mind of Christ."
"I 'd sure look like I got it going on," I thought. Nice. Like a carpenter or fisherman, right?
It calls to mind an old friend who lived in a rough urban neighborhood in ramshackle housing with high-dollar BMWs and Mercedes parked out front. I'm sure the car payments were way higher than the rent, but those citizens sure looked confident and prosperous.
Oh, boy.
Or buying the 27,245th set of new throw pillows while 1.1 billion global citizens live in poverty.
Soon salivating with eyes swirling like a cartoon, I was swooning.
SCREECH. Holy Spirit interrupted.
“Whoa, little Philly. Talk about coveting. Get a little grip, girl,” my practical self said.
“How about the leak in the attic? The ceiling in the bathroom? Don’t you need new carpet? New paint? You want to visit your elderly buddy in LA, remember?”
The swirls and slobbering stopped. I returned to terra firma.
Harkening back to my recent post on temptation…In AA, they say, “think through the drink.” Think through the credit card, the spree, the donut, the website, the phone call…the unnecessary car.
You see the problem. (Stunning sidenote: Do you know that only 12% of the world’s population own a vehicle?! Perspective! Source: https://www.researchgate.net)
There are (currently) sacrifices involved in pursuing my dream, which I believe is a God-given calling. The cost-benefit can change anytime, or God may lead me somewhere else involving a windfall…or a regular paycheck.
Callings and personal dreams aside, contrary to popular dogma, following Jesus involves dying to self and giving up everything He commands (Matthew 16:24). It’s not even fine print, folks.
Like the rich young ruler, all the disciples, and the messy assembly of beleaguered and simple-living believers in the book of Acts, so unlike our modern world.
It’s not that a new car is wrong, but right now, it’s not right for me. And if money, motives, and priorities were no object (but they are, you see), then I would not be pondering the matter.
I’d be whipping out my checkbook. Cuz I do like cars and many other things. 😘
I’m not so spiritual that I’m indifferent to sleek lines, supple Corinthian leather (the name is telling!), the new car smell, or fashion. I have dozens of pretty thrift store dresses I don't really need.
My heavenly Papa indulges me with many adorable and affordable treats, by the way.
It’s knowing the new car smell (and beauty) will fade and the heavenly treasure won’t.
Plus, the bill still comes in the mail.
Please, let’s not call this legalism. Let’s call it godly wisdom and obedience, believing that Father knows best.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
PRAYER:
Abba, there’s so much to covet this side of heaven, from cars and clothes to lifestyles and more. Please help us own our tradeoffs, have an eternal view of what matters, and be thankful for Your generous provision today in every way. Free us from unhelpful longings and satisfy us with good things. I ask all of it in Christ’s name. Thank You. I love You. 💖
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