The Used Car Salesman
Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is Dr. James Perry continuing with our series where we seek to
explore the deeper meanings of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years, the heavenly Father
has revealed many revelations of spiritual truth to me, and I want to share them with you. This
morning we will ponder our lives as we seek to understand the spiritual meaning contained in the
story of the used car salesman.
And now, sit back and listen to today's message.
The Used Car Salesman
" . . .Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Mark, Chapter 9, Verse 24.
Once there was a man who specialized in the resale of used cars. He had settled upon this vocation
because he felt that there were a lot of people who could not afford new cars. There were also those
who tired of their older versions and wanted a newer model. In fact he himself drove a 1957 Pontiac.
One day while reflecting on the state of his disintegrating car, the thought occurred to him that if he
could make the old car into a new car, and then keep the new car new, he would really be doing
something. He arrived at the solution to the problem, and it was so simple he was embarrassed he
hadn't thought of it before. The only issue was that his solution was costly, and he was reluctant to
invest his money though he was almost certain that it would work.
So the used car salesman in his 1957 Pontiac went around trying to sell this new product to
prospective car buyers. He cried, "buy this product, and you will never have to worry about buying
another car as long as you live. It will never break down." But when the people took a look at his 1957
Pontiac with tires worn smooth, looking like giant balloons, the muffler falling off, and the body of
the car rusting out, not to mention that awful knocking in the engine, they divided themselves into
three groups.
The first group was composed of those who saw no need of having any kind of car. They were content
to get around the best way they could. They were satisfied and thus saw no reason for implementing
any changes.
The second group was highly skeptical. They saw right away the contradiction between what the
salesman was saying and what his own car looked like. They wondered why the salesman didn't avail
himself of his own new product. This was especially true in light of the high price of the product. To
be sure, if the product worked, they would never have to buy another new car again; on the other
hand, if it did not work, they would be out of a lot of money.
The third group was a little more sympathetic. They wanted to believe in what the salesman said.
They were indeed tired of buying new cars every three or four years. They patiently asked him
questions about the product but received no real answers. To all their inquires, he simply said, "trust
me." Well, this was even too much for the sympathetic listeners to swallow and they sadly walked
away.
After thinking about this experience of rejection, the used car salesman finally realized that if he
wished to sell his product, he would have to demonstrate the truth of it himself, first. He was sure the
product would work. Finally after much reflection and anguish, he made the faith plunge. He finally
paid the price. It cost him everything he had, and he was the laughingstock of the community. There
he was--penniless and driving a 1957 Pontiac that appeared on the verge of falling apart.
But still he continued to drive his car, gradually beginning to notice the subtle changes in the sound
of the knocking in the engine, reflecting deep internal changes. As time wore on, the knocking in the
engine finally disappeared, and there was a gentle almost imperceptible purring of the engine. But still
the people ignored and laughed at him. They called him Rusty Penny. But still he continued.
Gradually the balding tires began to take on new threads. Next, the rusted spots began to fade as new
metal took their places. Gradually the car became new--perfect.
People were astonished, even bewildered, not to mention disbelieving. Some said it was another car
entirely; others said it was magic. But no matter what they said, none could ignore the proof of the
pudding, for here was a brand new Pontiac that had literally taken form right under their gazes. They
had to acknowledge what the salesman had been saying was true, and those who were true of heart
and purpose did whatever was required to buy the product. The used car salesman was now rich
beyond his wildest dreams. He learned two things: Never try to send people where you are unwilling
to go yourself, and the best and quickest way to convince people that what you say is true is to
become what you say.
This concludes today's message on understanding the meaning of the used car salesman. We hope you
find something in this message to ponder and pray about as you go about your day. Until next time,
this is Dr. James Perry.
Inspirational Messages
By Dr. James Perry
Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done!
The Used Car Salesman
