(Letter from the Parsonage: The People Who Remained in the City, Sixth Story)

© WanHee Yoon, 1989

A small postcard arrived.

“Do you know? It has already been 90 days since the oil in your 1987 Chrysler was last changed. You should change it soon, otherwise it may strain the car. Bring this card and we will give you a $5.00 discount. —From Bellerose Save Car Care.”

That single postcard reminded me of the long-forgotten task of changing my car’s engine oil. Gratefulness rose in me at the mechanic’s courteous attitude, and I felt even a sense of trust in the way they approached their business. Since life here is difficult without a car, everyone knows how important it is to maintain and repair it in advance—yet it is so easy to forget.

There are countless times when, rushing out in the morning for an important appointment, someone turns the key only to find the car won’t start, or moves poorly, ruining the entire day. That is why, even if economic reasons prevent us from handling many things, we must always set aside money for maintenance and insurance. Only then can we carry on the day as planned. Among these, changing the engine oil is especially vital. Our car is recommended to have its oil changed every 3,000 miles. When life gets busy and we delay it, the car grows rough, jerks forward, and loses smoothness. A car running on dirty oil not only shortens its lifespan with the waste from its engine, but sooner or later it will break down, stalling suddenly anywhere.

The engine is to a car what the heart is to a human. Once ruined, it is nearly impossible to revive. No matter how glamorous or famous the car may be, if its engine fails, it ceases to be a car. Yet even if the body is shattered, if the engine remains intact, there is still a chance for restoration. On the road, you see many cars with exteriors unlike their original form—because after accidents they have had engines replaced and so continue their function.

So it is with us who deal with many people, sharing in their lives. When we observe the process and results of life, everything is tied to the state of the soul. Some struggle desperately to escape their present way of life and seek a new one. But while the heart desires, the flesh will not obey. Some, though they have lived in faith for years, still lack joy and peace in their souls. Their faith feels heavy and tiring. Yesterday’s residue of sin remains unfiltered before the Lord and builds up inside, bubbling and burning, making the soul unclear and weighed down. A person begins to feel base, unworthy, even alienated though no one has turned away, losing sight of purpose and meaning, declaring to themselves that they cannot be changed.

When such symptoms appear, it is a warning—it is time to change the engine oil of the soul. The problem, however, is that we often cannot discern the timing or condition of our own spirit, just as many of us drive cars daily yet know nothing of their engines.

Pastors can read the condition of their flock’s souls better than anyone, even more keenly than mechanics who can diagnose a car by its sound. Without even hearing every detail, they can perceive where a soul is headed and where it has arrived. With sorrow greater than the person themselves, they intercede before the Lord, loving that soul more fervently than even the soul loves itself.

So, value the counsel of your pastor. Do not avoid the advice and prayers of the saints around you. Rejoice that there are those praying for you, urging you on. Be thankful that your soul rests in God’s grace of forgiveness and love.

I myself once received many counsels and warnings from elders in the faith. There were moments when I nearly became like a useless car destined for the junkyard. If not for the blood of the Lord that renewed my soul—if not for the cleansing of my soul’s engine oil with the insurance of His blood—my state would have been unthinkable.

I knew a young man who lived in great hardship. He worked 14 hours a day, seven days a week, with no rest. Each time I saw him, I could see from his weary eyes how exhausted his body and soul were.

“You look so tired! How long can you go on like this? At least come to church on Sundays to find rest for both body and soul.”

“Church? Someday I’ll go. But right now, faith feels like a luxury. On my day off, the only thing I desperately need is sleep.”

He turned away, as if he could not stop the car of his daily routine. But then one day he disappeared, and when I asked his employer, I learned he had been hospitalized from overwork. I thought to myself how fortunate it was that, at least, he could now rest on a hospital bed. I prayed he might realize that opportunities for renewal do not come often.

And so, as I placed that postcard promising a $5 discount carefully into my wallet, I changed the oil and felt, as I sat behind the wheel, the freshness of the car.

Is God not even now sending us postcards for our souls?

“My beloved! Do you not know? It has been long since you checked the oil of your soul! Unless you cast away the foul residue and refill with new oil, you face eternal damage. Come to Me! Do not delay—come quickly!”

Just as I treasured the small discount card, I prayed that I might treasure infinitely more the promise of His eternal life, and I started the engine with a grateful heart.