Route 66 - Pt 2

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 ESV).

As we begin our road trip along Route 66, I have chosen to start in Illinois. In fact, I’ve chosen to begin at the Muffler Man Statue in Atlanta, Illinois. This over 19-foot tall fiberglass statue is a glorious example of the kind of roadside kitsch that evokes memories of Route 66. For years this hot-dog-holding giant advertised a hot dog restaurant in Cicero, Illinois. When the restaurant closed, the statue moved about 150 miles south to its current home in Atlanta, Illinois. There were others through the decades of the 60’s and 70’s that were erected along the route. These giant statues, often in different costumes, were always holding something; lumberjacks holding axes, pirates holding swords, cowboys holding rifles, even spacemen holding tiny rocket ships. Almost all of these figures, which came from International Fiberglass in Venice, California, had a body formed from the same mold (arms out, right hand up, left hand down), and subtle tweaks could be made; heads and the object in their hands could be swapped in or out, and different clothes could be painted on. It is that last little bit of trivia that intrigues me as I think about our spiritual journey. The Apostle Paul had something to say in this regard found in our reading today. He is writing to the Corinthians concerning the issue that had developed over eating certain foods and other ritualistic practices. His ultimate conclusion is “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (v. 31). That is great news for all of us who find ourselves enduring circumstances that were never a part of our dreams. It may be a relationship failure, or financial setback. Whatever the circumstance, it was not a part of your plan; and, it is difficult and painful. Now, let’s get back to “Muffler Man.” There were thousands of these fiberglass statues manufactured, all basically the same. Slight differences were built according to the use, though the basic mold was always the same. Some were even changed when they were sold from one vendor to another. They would replace the object being held by the giant depending on the advertising goal. Here’s the point I have come to in my life. It hasn’t mattered whether I in a pleasant circumstance or not, I can find contentment in doing it all with the knowledge that God is both in control and working it all for my good. Maybe I’m a muffler man, actually holding a muffler, or I’m standing with a hot dog in my hands. Either way, I’m traveling the path God has ordained and is orchestrating good in it all. I can trust Him! I don’t need to trust my circumstances.