“But Dad! The Pinewood Derby’s next week, and Frank says his car’s gonna beat mine — and everybody else’s — by miles! It’s just not fair! I know his dad built his, ‘cause he was bragging about it all over school!”
Kurt put his hands on his hips, doing his best imitation of “Bratty Frank”, as he often called this kid.
“My dad’s better than your dad,” he chanted (for effect) as he looked at his dad. “My dad’s better than your dad. Just wait till you see our car. Bet your dad won’t build a car for you. You’re gonna lose too — big time! Loser! Loser!”
Kurt dropped his hands to his sides, a pleading look on his face. “That’s how it is every day, Dad. Bratty Frank’s got to lose! Come on, dad! I know Frank’s not the only one whose dad’s helping him build his car. How can I win? Please?Pleeeeeeease?”
Terry motioned Kurt into the dining room. “Have a seat, son.” They both sat down. Terry understood, really, but ... “So, son, whose race is this? I’d love to build a car for the parent’s race, but which race do you want to enter?”
“But Dad!!”
“No ‘but dads’ about it, son. If I did build your car, what would I be teaching you? You’re growing up fine, great in fact. You’re honest, hard-working, and (most times) fun to be with. Why would I want to ruin that?”
Kurt sighed (OK, blew out air would be a better description). “I wouldn’t get ruined, Dad. I promise!”
Kurt raised his hand in the Cub Scout salute. Terry smiled. “Exactly. Hold that pose for me for a second. Doesn’t the Cub Scout Promise say something about honesty? Mmmm hmmm. Thought so. How honest would it be for me to do what you’re asking?”
Kurt slowly lowered his hand, his face solemn. “Not very honest, I guess. OK, Dad. As he started to get up, Kurt thought of something. “I know! Let’s both build cars! I bet your car can beat any of the other dads’ cars — you build great stuff, Dad!”
A week later, Kurt and his dad entered their cars in the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby races.
Neither won first place (Kurt took second; Terry third), but they had a great time building and racing their cars together. The “modeling” that happened that week would last a lifetime. In fact, this story was told by Kurt to his son a generation later.
Terry. Kurt. Kurt’s son. Kurt’s son’s son. Who knows how far this example of modeling God’s way will travel? Who knows how many will eventually experience and learn from Terry’s modeling in the kitchen and in that Cub Scout event?
Godly, Christ-led model-building goes a long way. As Scripture instructs us, “Model the good. The person who does good does God’s work. The person who does evil falsifies God, doesn’t know the first thing about God.” (3 John 11, Message version)
Godly, Christ-following model-building, modeling, and model-following goes a long way. Thousands of years; eternity in fact. Think about it. How much holy, Christ-like modeling are you involved in? Your life matters, and the difference you make in the world around you can last far beyond your lifetime.