Are You a Classic?
“Did you see that car?”
I say those words, or something similar, to my wife almost every time we pass an antique or classic car. I’m not sure the fascination, especially by me, because I’m not an enthusiast by any stretch of the word.
On one hand, I believe it is the attraction of something that has stood the test of time. Yet, it’s more than that. The real head-turners are the ones I see traveling down the road among modern vehicles. The gleam of a well-kept, still operable classic begs for my admiration.
The following definition of a classic automobile supports my untrained observation.
“For a car to be considered a classic, it must be more than 20 years old, in good condition and true to the original design. So, age is an easy concept to grasp, but what does good condition mean? The vehicle should be roadworthy, the body should have no rust, the interior should be intact without tears in the upholstery, flooring or header fabric, and the engine should run. Lastly, the car must match the original factory design as closely as possible.”1
Are You a Classic? #hope #joy #writingcommunity Click To TweetThe same goes for how others see us.
A classic must be more than 20 years old.
For those of you who are aficionados of older automobiles, you’ll surely have an opinion on that definition. I’ve read that almost any group has their own requirements for the defining age of classic, antique, and vintage cars. The number of years is not the point for this post. It’s more about standing the test of time.
How do others perceive you in this respect? How have you aged? Are you different than before you became a Christ-follower? People look for behavior reflecting a relationship with Christ. We can’t focus on shine and influence. We must live according to the Spirit, not so others are attracted to us, but that they are attracted to the One who lives within us.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23, NASB)
A classic must be in good condition.
I love a classic that appears to have just rolled off the assembly line. Even though my mind tells me it is old, it seems new. And when it keeps pace with vehicles around it, with all its parts in working order, I want to say, “Wow, that is amazing!”
Are you in good condition? This may not be apparent to those who don’t know you very well. But for those that do, do they know you as the same person day in and day out? Not everyone is back in church yet, but if we were, would you act the same way Monday morning or Friday night as Sunday morning?
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1, NASB)
A classic must be true to the original design.
I might not totally understand the disconnect if I saw a classic with unoriginal parts. Especially those under the hood. But I could probably tell if the wheels had modern hubcaps vs. spokes. Hubcaps would certainly betray the original design.
Are you true to the original design? Similar to condition, I may not know another person’s heart without knowing them very well. But God does. He knows whether we live to become more like Jesus, or if we are pretending. We know it, too. If you have a heart to be more like Christ, you will want to reflect His likeness, not that of an imposter.
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26, NASB)
I pray this gives you hope. God wants us to stand the test of time, be in good condition, and remain true to the original design.
What prevents you from being a classic?
Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.
1 https://www.sunautoservice.com/when-does-an-old-car-become-a-valuable-classic-car/
You sound just like my Hubby Tim! Classic cars draw his attention almost immediately. The classic cars are such a great metaphor for our spiritual lives – I love how you broke down each ‘requirement’ for us to be a classic. Pinning this!
Ha! He probably understands those cars better than me. I miss seeing you both so much. Thank you for the comment and sharing!
You know, he’s a lot like you…. He’s not really a ‘car guy’ but he loves those classics. We miss seeing you two also. We always treasure our time with you. Sending hugs to you both!
Tim, absolutely loved this post – there is so much in it that I can relate to. I read Terri’s comments, and she is spot-on about how a classic automobile immediately captures both my attention—like you, I’m so impressed by its “successful” weathering the “test of time”—and my imagination—making me sometimes wonder if I have been born out of time (though I am certain that I have not – Ps. 139:13-16). I too am not a “car guy”, but one of my human desires is to one day—when I have time to spend hours tinkering away in a garage—find me a 1930ish panel truck to rehabilitate and drive around town – there is something unexplainably appealing to me about the simplicity of the older engines . . . not to mention the blessed lack of technology (I think it’s already “intelligent”—whatever that means for something that is programed by humans—and has decided it hates me!!). I have to confess, however, that although I cannot recall me ever being called “classic”, I can certainly remember a lot of things I was “called”, especially before my personal encounter with the resurrected LORD. These days, however, I’m mostly just called a “dinosaur” (something I’ve learned to embrace): I still trust a fold-out map and my own navigation skills much more than I ever do a GPS (they’ve gotten me lost way too many times); I still would much rather own a paper copy of a book that I can write in and highlight then I ever will an electronic one; I still prefer an old black-and-white “classic” movie over these new computer generated ones ruined by modern-day social commentary; etc., etc. So there are probably a lot of things I’m not my Brother , but there are some things – mostly the eternal ones – I most certainly am: I am far different today than I was before my encounter with the resurrected LORD; though I am a little more “weathered” these days, I still have more physical stamina than any young folk I have worked with; and despite my fallen “nature” and my stumble-mired sanctification, I can say with certainty that I am “true” to the “mannishness” with which God originally designed men (and I don’t mind at all confessing how much I dig the “womanish” God designed my wife with – grrhhh ;o)). I see this in both you and Ms. Sarah. Terri is right, we miss you guys tons and very much look forward to our being able to gather together again with you both. Keep up the great work Tim.
Guy, thank you so much for your comments. I love reading them when you have time to submit. I’ve only known you for a short time (only after your salvation experience), but I can attest to your being a true “classic” in all the ways mentioned in the post. You are not only a “classic”, but I would say a “treasure” to all those who know you. Thanks again, and praying good health and blessings for you and lovely bride!
You and my hubby would get along GREAT. 🙂
Thank you Becky. I look forward to meeting him one day. And thanks for reading!