Recently a friend expressed a concern to me that perhaps there are too many car shows in Carson City. There are many car shows scheduled from March through September in our area, and a car enthusiast can attend multiple car shows every summer weekend in Northern Nevada. These special events bring needed revenue to our community and they provide good family entertainment to Carson City residents.
As a vintage car enthusiast, I enjoy seeing a variety of restored and customized vehicles. As an owner of a classic car, I can appreciate what it takes in time, talent and treasure to bring a dusty and rusty piece of metal back to life. Someone sees the potential in the project. A choice is made and a purchase price is paid. Then the long process begins. The mechanical needs are met first and the cosmetic touches come later. Attention is given to every detail. When completed, the paint sparkles, the chrome blinds you with its shine and the upholstery is as comfortable as it is breathtaking.
This restoration process reminds one of what God has done and continues to do. Our Lord sees our potential and He paid the price. We are brought to life. He continues to work on us, fine tuning, repairing and polishing. We are always under construction. He continues His work of transformation until we sparkle!
Consider what the apostle Paul has to say, “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ Jesus.” Again he writes, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” He reminds us of the process, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And Paul reminds us that God doesn’t quit. He finishes what He starts. Paul writes to the church at Philippi that God “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
When you see a classic car on a Carson City street, stop and think. Think about the time, talent and treasure invested in that vehicle. Then think about the One who has invested so much in you and who is willing to invest unlimited resources to make you into a new person who sparkles!
No, there are not too many car shows in our area. We need their lessons. We need their reminders. Keep cruisin’ Carson City!
Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.