Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:2

Today's Scripture Reading (May 4, 2024):  2 Corinthians 4

A few years ago, I read an advertisement for a car that was for sale. The ad read;

For Sale -

1985 Blue Volkswagen Golf
Only 15 km
Only first gear and reverse used
Used only in Newfoundland
Never driven hard
Original Tires and Brakes
Original Fuel and Oil
Only 1 driver
Owner wishes to sell due to employment layoff
See Attached Photo

The attached photo was of the aforementioned Golf on a small island with a lighthouse and a short road down to the dock where a small boat was anchored. Apparently, the VW had just driven back and forth from the lighthouse to the pier for the twenty-plus years of its life.

The used car business is often characterized in our contemporary culture as a place where deception is common. And I know there is some truth, but I hope it is not as common as we sometimes believe it to be. But deception in the used car business has become the stuff of jokes. I have a low-mileage car driven by an elderly lady only to church or a VW that has just been driven from the lighthouse to the dock on a small island.

The movie "Used Cars" has a scene that epitomizes this belief. In the scene, a salesman is trying to sell a car to a couple, and they are making an offer on the vehicle. The salesman says he will take the offer to the manager but insists the low offer will cause him to have a heart attack. The couple is adamant that that is all they are willing to pay.

The salesman leaves the room, goes to have a cigarette, and talks with some of the other salespeople, never going near the sales manager's office. Meanwhile, a man stumbles into the room where the couple is waiting for their salesperson to return with a counteroffer, and the man is having a heart attack. When the salesman returns from his smoke break, he finds a man dying on the floor and the couple huddling around him, vowing to pay more for the car.

Paul insists that this is not us. Christians do not use deception or distort biblical claims to get their point across. We are to be honest, and through the truth of our understanding of the gospel, we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us and convince those around us of the reality of our sins.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5