To say I know what I am doing is a stretch…
About two years ago I met a fellow who quickly became a
friend. Dave loves to fix and collect cars and before long his hobby began
sounding good. A year ago, I found my first car (a ’50 Studebaker). This “beauty”
served James Eichman and his family for years, but it hadn’t seen the road for
a long time (1959).
The car (“James”) is currently with an out of town friend
who is working on get it running again. When he’s done, I’ll have… how do I say
this... a “unique driver” that will still need a lot of work. In the meantime, Dave
and I have been removing pieces from another “parts” car to eventually install
on “James.”
On Thursday, we set out to remove the speedometer. Since
I’m a rookie, Dave was under the dash. I was his “tool hander.” Now, in 1950
cars weren’t as complicated as they are today, yet they still had a maze of wires,
lights, gauges, and hoses under the dash!
I handed tools as Dave spent a couple of hours removing trim and gauges but
time ran out on us – just too many things were in the way.
On Friday, Dave and I traveled to check on “James” without
a replacement speedometer. And there on the workbench was “James’” speedometer
– the replacement suddenly became more important. So on Monday, I headed under
the dash – alone this time – Dave was busy.
After 20 minutes of struggle I had a speedometer in my hands. Fifteen
minutes later the trim and gauges were re-installed.
So how could a novice like me pull off what a veteran hadn’t
done? Simple.
I had the benefit of an example. With an identical
speedometer already on the workbench, I was able to get a close look. Screws
that had been impossible to see before, were now easy to locate. I also had the
added benefit of watching as Dave removed the trim and gauges – making their re-installation
easier (and possible!).
This experience highlighted the value of example.
On the night before Jesus died, He shocked His disciples
by getting up from the table and washing their feet. It was a task reserved for
the lowest, yet Jesus, obviously the greatest around the table, did the
washing.
John 13:12-15 (NLT) After washing their feet, He put on his robe
again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You
call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I
am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I
have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
This lesson was so well learned that it became a lesson
taught and lived.
O Morrowville
Christian Church family, imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because
you are his dear children. Live a life filled with
love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered
himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2,
modified for emphasis)
We have the benefit of example. We aren’t pioneering. He
has shown us how to love and serve. He has charged us with following His lead. And,
He has surrounded us with people to care for and about. So, let’s do it!!!
Following His Lead,
Ron
