Shade Tree Christian

My first car was a '63 Falcon. It was clean and it ran just fine. The only thing I didn't like about it (other than it wasn't a '64 Mustang) was the engine had a knocking lifter. Although I had little knowledge of engines and even less experience working on them, I proceeded to "fix it". I fixed it alright!


After I got it back from my mom (I wrecked her car a few days after I got the Falcon, so she drove it while her car was in the shop), I proceeded to tear that Falcon engine apart. I mean I tore it too pieces! I suppose it was weeks later when I got it back "together". Well it looked OK. I was proud too, real proud...until I drove it almost all the way to work before I slung a rod and blew the engine! Dead it was, in a puddle of oil in the middle of 9th Ave.

Why did I think I could fix that car when I really didn't have a clue what was "really" wrong. Maybe that engine could have run ten more years if I had left it alone or taken it to a real mechanic. Especially since I really had no idea what was wrong or how to fix it! It just appeared and sounded like something was wrong.

The real problem was my pride. That's what was wrong. "I know what's wrong. I can fix it". Doofus!

Well then, at least I learned something about pride from this experience. Or maybe not. Lately I have been able to see what's wrong with everyone else. I could see and hear what was wrong with everyone I came across and I could fix it, I thought. So, I'd judge them and offer my "insightful correction". Yea, that's been working out great!

Why would I think I could fix anyone else when no one can save me from myself except Jesus? PRIDE!

I can't tell you how much I have been "coming across" in the Bible lately that has really spoken to me about pride. "...think of others more highly than yourself...love your neighbor as yourself...remove the plank from your own eye..." OK, stop it already!

So, I have been asking God to change me, fix me, because I CAN SEE that my "engine" is the one with the "lifter knocking" causing all the "noise". What's not easy is that as He answers this prayer the "rebuilding" hurts a little as I see what's been causing me to "run so rough". The "motor" needs repairs now and then. I suggest getting it fixed before too many parts break.

Drop me a line,

Greg