(With inspiration from David McCasland’s Pinstripe Parables)
“I don’t really care about where I’ve come from or, after this life, where I’m going,” the driver emphasized.
He’d said it before and so was a little miffed that he was having to say it again. The two of them had commuted daily to work for an hour each way on the interstate. Sometimes they talked about their job—they worked together. Sometimes they talked about sports. They certainly talked about their families. He was a good family man, and he greatly desired to take care of them and see to their welfare.
“Fine,” his passenger replied. “But, it’s just that I think you do care.”
“Look, I really don’t. We can talk about this life all you want to, but before or after, I really don’t want to go there. Your Bible is offensive to so many people. It’s offensive to me. And I’d rather not start out my day that way.”
It seemed like the next fifteen minutes lasted the whole commute. Nothing was said. They’d be at work soon anyway, and there was plenty to think about there.
During the day, they interviewed potential new clients, attended an HR meeting about benefits in the new year, and discussed the office Christmas party details for the gathering later in the week. With COVID and all, it was going to be a little more subdued, but they had decided to plan one anyway. Their company was founded by a man of faith and they had continued their business model in the same way for decades.
At the end of the day, they faced that hour commute home. Both of them were tired and eager to get the drive behind them. “I can drive, if you want,” the passenger offered. He’d done that before when the driver wasn’t feeling well.
“No, I got it.” The driver’s abrupt answer kind of set the tone for the minutes ahead. Moods didn’t get any better as they faced a traffic jam half way home. The cars were moving slowly and the announcement road signs had given them a clue that the wait was going to be longer than average.
It had been quiet, so the passenger sought to break the monotony. “Did you sign up for that 401k plan they were offering?”
“No, I already had, and they told us we didn’t need to take any action if there were no changes. How about you?”
“Yeah, I finally reached tenure with the company to get matching funds and I really don’t know why anyone would turn that down.”
The driver was a little older. “Yeah, that started for me a couple of years ago. I mean, why would anyone not take advantage of the company match?
The cars crept along and then started to go a little faster and then a little faster still, and it was becoming apparent that things were clearing ahead. The driver continued, “That life insurance policy looked pretty good as well. Just a quick medical screening, and you’re in. Hope I can get the preferred rate.”
“Yeah, I don’t know. I had an episode with renal stones a few years ago and now my doc isn’t happy with my cholesterol numbers. Once you highlight yourself physically, then the good rates go away. Must be nice not to have much of a medical history.” Unbeknownst to the driver, the passenger was leading up to something.
“I’m just lucky, I guess,” admitted the driver. “That insurance policy will really round-out our estate planning.”
The car approached the passenger’s house and pulled over to the street side, in front. Before he got out, he turned and looked at the driver.
“Life insurance. Estate planning. Hmm. I thought you said you didn’t care about the future?” He opened the door and got out, but turned back and just before closing it, he concluded with this thought.
“See, you do care about the future. You are a man of faith. It just depends in what you place your faith. And, we’re going to explore this more in the morning. I’ll be here. I appreciate your driving this month. But I’m hopeful you’ll be here in the morning, too. I care about tomorrow and the days after that. I’m convinced you do, too. You see, in life’s final breath, it isn’t about your estate or what you own or even who you are. It’s about whose you are. The answers are in that Bible that you find so offensive. And like your 401k I really don’t know why anyone would turn down that free offer of a gift of a Savior.”
As the car door closed, he wasn’t so sure when he’d get to climb back in. But he prayed for the best—and that it would be tomorrow.
Matthew 10:34
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
John 12:32
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”
Author’s note: The following thoughts are from Oswald Chambers and My Utmost for His Highest.
Comments on Matthew 10:34: “If you are sensitive to God’s way, your message as His servant will be merciless and insistent, cutting to the very root. Otherwise, there will be no healing. We must drive the message home so forcefully that a person cannot possibly hide, but must apply its truth. Then hold high the standard of Jesus for their lives.”
Comments on John 12:32: “What the world needs is not ‘a little bit of love,’ but major surgery. We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful speeches. We must be willing to examine others as deeply as God has examined us. We must also be sharply intent on sensing those Scripture passages that will drive the truth home, and then not be afraid to apply them.”
Now, there you have the rest of the story. Even at Christmastime.