While pumping gas I noticed a very pretty car pull up at the pumps behind me. I had to smile when the driver, an old guy, got out. It was a Buick and we have always laughingly supported the stereotype that Buicks are old people’s cars. Thinking to have a fun conversation with the driver and that he would pick up with me on General Motors current advertising campaign, I called out to him, “Is that a Buick? It sure doesn’t look like a Buick.” I did get a smile but it wasn’t one of amusement. It was an instant swelling of pride of ownership. Immediately I had to hear about the deal he got. (You know someone is a good salesman when he can empty your pocket and you think you did great.) With all seriousness he started in on a list of the car’s features. I was waiting for him to repeat a descriptive line I heard on the Price is Right when describing a prize car. “It comes with paint.” Really!
One of the worst things I could ever hear would be a variation on the Buick ad. “Are you a Christian? You sure don’t look like a Christian.” In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:16. And in James 5:12 we read, “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”
I recognized the Buick at the pump by the emblem on the grill. I hope we are not recognized as Christians by some cross on our lapel. Instead the best recognition of all would be from what we are through and through.
Written by Roger Bothwell on June 21, 2017
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