Mar
31
2011

Theology of Life: Used Cars and the Value of a Soul

An article by Doug

I am in an unenviable position right now, I will probably have to buy a new(er) car very soon. My fleet of 4 cars and one motorcycle is aging and will not be adequate for the potential commuting needs soon to be unleashed. This has driven me to the internet to seek out several items of interest to me. The first is to determine the possible value of a trade-in. Off to Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and other sites to determine possible numbers. Next is to seek out information on a car I believe is affordable and a good value for me on the Consumer Reports site.

This is a task I despise, and fortunately I only have to do it every 5 or so years. It triggers additional thoughts on valuation and I realize how significant this issue is for us each day. We make value judgments constantly to include personal worth. I am once again drawn to Psalm 139: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I do not increase or decrease in value, it is imputed to me by God. In fact I am so valuable, He sent his Son to die for me. Thank you Lord!

Maybe I am just at the point in my later adult life where I need the coach’s pep talk and encouragement to focus on the basics. I need to understand that my value is not subjective, not contextual, not determined by someone else, not linked to my occupation, not linked to the number of children I have, not linked to my bank account balance, not linked to the number and age of my cars in the driveway, and not linked to the clothes I wear, but just ‘is’… because of HIM! Now that is what I am talking about.

By the way, if Kelley Blue Book were to show up at my door they would see some pretty significant dings, dents and scratches on this old body. Good thing I do not have to worry about that…

Where do YOU inadvertently find yourself seeking value from?

Doug White was born and raised in the New York City metro area, now residing in rural northeast Georgia he has spent years losing his Jersey accent. A very informal guy with lots of very formal education, Doug loves to ride his Honda VTX 1300 C when the weather is good and work on construction projects when possible. He loves the church, having spent 20 years serving in ministry and currently invests in the church serving as a university professor. He lives with his wife Christina; 3 children: Ian, Seth and Nissa; 4 dogs: Gizmo, Max, Luci and Q; 3 cats: Tigger, Lily, and Midnight; Parrot BJ; with two ponds (full of fish) and a wild bird feeder to torment the cats.