Articles
Foiled By A Keyless Car
Recently I was in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in a gospel meeting. I was with the Veterans Parkway congregation where Wilson Adams preaches. One young couple loaned me their Honda Civic for the week. I really appreciated their kindness. However, unlike my pickup, which uses a key, the Honda was keyless. As long as you have the fob near the car, all you had to do was push a button to start the car. Simple enough, right? I had no problem figuring that out.
Sunday night after we met, I was on the way to my supper appointment with the man who was taking me out to eat. We were meeting his wife at the restaurant. When we arrived and got out of the car, I hit the door lock button on the fob and we walked in. We were going to eat Tai food, but they were closed. So, we landed at Bad Daddy’s hamburger place. The hamburger and tater tots were great. Well, we had been sitting there for about an hour and a half and a police officer pulled up and walked in. He asked, “Who belongs to that black Civic?” I got up and looked to see what car he was talking about and sure enough it was the car I was driving. The officer said, “It is still running.” I said, “What?” He said, “It is still running.” I said, “Oh, I am so sorry. It is borrowed.”
Well, when I got out of the car, I thought it had turned off. I did not realize it was still running when we entered the restaurant. I did not know you had to press the same button that started the car to stop the engine from running too. Duh! I thanked the officer. He said, “I looked in the back seat and saw a suit coat. I saw you sitting in the restaurant with your tie on and figured it must be your car.” (Hum! Necessary inference). I thanked him and went inside to tell my hosts what happened. We had a good laugh. So did the congregation! It is important to know the car you are driving. It is helpful to know how it works.
First, it seems to me, we better know the Lord and we better know that He is the one who is in control. For all of our technology and advanced AI, the Lord is the one we must know best. He is the one who has the key to salvation. His path is not keyless. There are keys to walking in His path.
Second, we must appreciate the gift. This young couple had caring concern for me. They wanted me to use their car. I did not deserve it. It was their act of kindness, graciousness, and benevolent heart that they favored me with their gift for the week. As much as the car was appreciated and the gift valued, the greatest gift is God’s grace. It is His kindness, benevolent heart, and gracious favor given to us. It is the gift of His Son’s blood. We may appreciate material gifts, but we sure better prize the heavenly gift.
Third, sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself. You have to appreciate the lighter side of life occasionally. Everything is so serious, chaotic, and filled with anxiety. Sometimes we need to make boneheaded mistakes so we can laugh at ourselves. I make a lot of them, and I laugh at myself often. We need a breather.
So next time you borrow a car make sure you know how it operates. I will remember. But whatever you do, make sure you know the Lord.
Rickie Jenkins
