Life Lessons Through a Ford Taurus

Have you seen the new Ford Taurus? I was asked that question while on my way to pick up my rental car the other day. I was told repeatedly that it was worth the $5.00 a day extra to upgrade. Everyone at the rental place seemed to agree so I took a chance and signed the papers. Let me say that this car is way different than the Taurus that my grandparents used to drive! I took it back to the church office and told everyone that the rental company gave me the coolest car ever. They all ran out to the patio overlooking the parking lot and were canvassing the parking looking for a car that was worthy of my excitement. When I told them I was driving that white Taurus in the corner they laughed at me. Their reaction was much like mine until they got up close and looked inside. Their perception was changed as well.

I'm not trying to sell you a new car (although if you have a chance to upgrade or downgrade to one I would do it). My experience with the Taurus made me look at my faith in a new way. When people hear the word "Taurus" they think of the uber conservative staple of middle class suburban transportation that was popular during much of the 90's and have a hard time shaking that stereotype. I can't blame them. I thought the same thing until I drove it, I mean, I can't imagine my grandmother using paddle shifters on the steering wheel as she zooms to the senior center. Here is where my world got rocked: when people hear the name "Christian" I think it elicits the same response.

I have been challenged this week to resemble Christ. I want people to associate my actions, words and deeds with what they have heard about Jesus. When the people I meet everyday find out I am a Christian I want them to say, "That makes sense. I knew there was something different about you." rather than looking at me like I just praised the new Ford Taurus. Ephesisans 5:1 says that I should be "an imitator of God". When people look at me they should see God looking back. How am I supposed to do that? I think it starts with love and ends with me being real and genuine. Jesus chose to use people like me to impact culture and I need to do a better job. I have to start today.

The Morning Hour (or at least 20 minutes)

I have many conversations that start out something like this:

Them: "I don't feel like I'm going anywhere in my walk with Jesus. Things are kind of stagnant right now."

Me: "Oh really. Do you talk to God regularly? When was the last time you read your Bible outside of church?"

Them: " I have been really busy lately. I don't have time to read the Bible and I don't feel like God listens when I pray so I kind of gave that up."

Me: "Well, maybe if you gave God a little bit of your precious time all of that other stuff would work itself out."

Them: "Maybe you are right but where do I start? Should I go to the Christian bookstore and pay $30.00 for one of those little bathroom books?"

And that leads me to this blog. Spending time every day with God doesn't have to take hours and you aren't less of a Christian if you don't wake up at 4am and pray for 4 hours before getting ready for work. The most important part is to get into a simple routine. Keep it consistent and keep it simple. You are more likely to stick with it if it isn't too complex. Setting up for your morning routine is also important. If you have to search for your Bible, pen or journal you are less likely to keep it up. Here is a simple plan to help you start out your day with God.

Say it: Before you even get out of bed thank God for the day. This can be a mumbled sentence. The idea of this one is that the first words you utter are praises to God. Sometimes if I have a lot on my mind when I go to sleep I wake up with it still on my mind. It helps me to realize that God is God and that puts everything else into perspective. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NIV).

Feel it: Sometimes I don't want to get out of bed because the covers feel so cozy and warm. I know when walk out that bedroom door I will be faced with challenges that I might not be equipped to handle. The safe cozy bed is symbolic of my relationship with God. He is my provider, protector and loving guardian. When He wraps his arms around me it makes me feel safe and secure. Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 31:21a, Psalm 63:3 (NIV)

Hide it: I can't stress the importance of reading the Bible every day. Start out with reading a little. If you can only comprehend 160 characters at a time then start with that. Reading the words of God will change your life. It also helps to start in the New Testament (That is the last 25% or so of the Bible. Check the glossary if you can't find it.) Often times I will try to find one verse or 2 that jumps out at me and write it on a piece of scratch paper. I will put the piece of paper somewhere where I will see it all day long. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105 NIV).

Say it: Prayers don't have to be lengthy and complex. Simply put, have a conversation with God. What are you struggling with? What are you afraid of? What do you need (not want)? End your conversation by giving God praise once again. Have a 5 minute conversation with God before you leave the house. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11 NiV).

This routine works but you have to stick with it. It takes about 37 times before something becomes habit. If you oversleep and miss a day don't beat yourself up. Tomorrow is a new day and new chance to connect with God!