Living no longer for ourselves

Some days, I get encouragement from seeing a good friend put a truth into practice and reach a conviction on his own. I was back at Dave’s garage this week getting winter tires installed and we had a conversation.

Dave has had a hobby for a few years, restoring classic cars, driving them for a while and turning them over for a small profit. Dave is a skilled mechanic, auto body technician and a welder. In his full-time job, he welds for the coast guard.

Here are Dave and his wife Cindy with his latest project.

This past year, Dave and Cindy gave their lives to Christ because of the persistent prayers or their daughter, Meghan. Cindy was baptized in Spring. Dave got it done in the summer.

I have enjoyed and appreciated Dave’s charity and skills several times in the past year. Because of his generous heart and great talent, I have been able to keep working as a substitute teacher. He has kept my car on the road at times when I had no other hope.

This week, I came over to get my snow tires installed and we had a talk about our faith. I shared about my current Bible study in the book of Job, trying to make sense of my trials and struggles of the past few years.

He shared about an idea he just had (paraphrased):

You know, a guy asked me if I would sell him this Ford I just rebuilt and I had to think about it. I said :”No.” at first, but I changed my mind on it and told him to make me an offer.

I really enjoy rebuilding these old cars, but it doesn’t mean as much to me now.

What if I could buy some used cars that need a bit of work, fix them up and sell them at cost to people who need a break?

I could buy  an older car for say $1000, repair it properly. Sell it to a family or a young adult starting out for the cost of the car plus materials. They could have a good road worthy car for $1500-$2500.

I think I would really enjoy doing that.

This is a man who is maturing and is being transformed by Christ. He is no longer living for himself, but is taking interest in the needs of others. I left Dave’s feeling encouraged again. My friend, my brother has invented a new kind of ministry. He wants to use his talents to help others, equipping people in need with reliable cars. In a few short months, his convictions are changing. He wants live in a way that is a benefit to others.

I think I want to give him a hand. I could learn a few things.

It reminds me of this scripture.

Philippians 2:1-4
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Christians, let us examine ourselves to see if we are applying our talents to help others. Can we invent a new ministry to meet a need that was not met before?

See what you can do. God will be pleased. I believe that a sense of peace and well-being.

^{Proverbs 11:25
25} A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Dave, thanks for your generous heart. I am encouraged.