More Than It Looks

I’m trying to sell a car right now… and apparently, it’s worth about the same as a Chick-fil-A sandwich.

Our 2009 Mazda5, our little mini minivan. We bought it used when our third child was born, because suddenly we needed a third row. For 15 years, that car has done exactly what we needed it to do. 175,000 miles later, it still runs. Still drives. Still gets you where you need to go.

Now… is it pretty? Not really. It has its share of dents and scratches. But around our house, those aren’t flaws. They’re part of the story. A lot of life has happened in and around that car.

But it is time to say goodbye. So, we put it up for sale, and the offers have started coming in.

The one last week was $400. What?

Are you kidding me? The battery I just put in it is worth $300. I mean, this car runs. You could get in it today and drive wherever you need to go.

But apparently, that’s not what people see. They see the outside. The fading paint. The scratches and dents. And just like that, the value drops.

The truth is, we don’t just do this with cars. We do it with people. We do it with ourselves.

We look at what’s visible. The dents, the wear, the places life has left its mark. And we start assigning value. If I had it “more” together… If I looked different… If I didn’t carry this part of my story… And before long, we start believing we’re worth less than we really are.

But God doesn’t see the way we see. God isn’t evaluating the surface.

God sees what’s under the hood. What still runs. God sees what is faithful. God sees what is still capable of carrying love, showing up, and making a difference. And God calls us beloved.

That’s what grace looks like. Not ignoring the dents. Not pretending everything is brand new. But seeing clearly and loving anyway.

We are definitely selling the car. It’s time. But I’ll be honest. It’s a little harder than I expected. Because it’s more than what it looks like.

And so are you.

With Gratitude,

Rev. Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC