How long does it take for the luster to wear off of new things?
I just bought a new truck, ok, not “new” but new to me. I typically purchase vehicles a couple of years old to permit someone else to pay for the depreciation in value. I hadn’t purchased a “new” vehicle in 13 years, so I guess I was due – or overdue.
The features in this thing are ridiculous.
Bluetooth connection to my phone, voice activated so I don’t have to dial. Sunroof, leather, power EVERYTHING and the seats are not only heated but air conditioned. Really? It is sooo sweet and the ride is unbelievable!
Then I wondered – hadn’t I had a similar experience purchasing each “new” vehicle in the past? Each time I buy a new car I have wondered, “Could a vehicle get any nicer than this?” Oh yeah, I thought that very same thought about the truck that I recently donated to Adult and Teen Challenge of Minnesota – when purchased I thought this is the nicest vehicle every designed and nothing could possibly eclipse this. That was 13 years and 217,000 miles ago.
Things in this world do wear out. Cars rust, seats show wear, gauges fail and carpet gets matted with road salt having been dragged into the truck by my boots. Vehicles don’t last forever and they certainly don’t look good after a while. They’re all destined for the scrap heap.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians said it best, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ”
The new truck pales in comparison to the relationship I have with Jesus. He promised that he will prepare a place for me, which I can only imagine will be far beyond what any new truck would be like. The absolute nicest thing on this earth is rubbish compared to the worst thing in eternity (if there is a “worst” thing, but you get my drift).
I do enjoy the truck. But mostly, I have enjoyed how God uses even the purchase of a vehicle as a means of pointing to and reminding me of Himself.
Richard Bahr 