Top Priority
The Toyota GR 86/Subaru BRZ got major updates for the 2022 model year, including a much-needed power bump. The 2.0-liter flat-four got a good, old-fashioned bore increase to 2.4 liters. Horsepower increased from 205 to 228, and the new mill generated 185 lb-ft of torque at a low 3700 rpm (up from 156 lb-ft at 5400 rpm). Its bumpers are new, and GR 86 Premium models now come with a rather loud duckbill spoiler.
Accolades poured in from the press and enthusiasts alike, and also from one unexpected source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Apparently both cars now earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the first time in their history, thanks to new front and rear chassis reinforcements and also driver assist features (for example, the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that comes standard on 2022 BRZs with the automatic transmission).
This is surprising, but why? Wouldn’t it be odd if mainstream automakers didn’t have safety in mind, either as one of several high priorities or perhaps their highest priority? After all, what’s the point of the new aluminum pedals in a GR 86 Premium if a driver has lost their legs in an accident? How much is driving pleasure worth if you’re one side-impact collision away from death?
Somewhere in the middle of the Apostle Peter’s second letter, the priorities of God for humankind are reasserted quite plainly. Yes, the earth and everything in it belong to God. Everything is on God’s timeline, and nothing escapes his divine judgment; it’s all either good or bad. As each day hurls the human race closer to the Day of Judgment, Peter clearly explains how God is working within his perfect timing:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
God isn’t an “I-told-you-so” God, disengaging from a human population content on digging themselves into deeper and deeper pits. He deeply, earnestly, longingly, and painfully desires every human on the planet to know him and align their lives with his priorities. He is at work – in big ways and little things, in discernable ways and also in the hidden hearts and minds of each person – to bring everyone to a point where they say “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I can’t live my life for myself. I need a Savior.”
Maybe this is surprising for you. Perhaps your understanding of God is like a disengaged automaker watching customers crash, burn, and die in unsafe cars. But salvation is God’s priority. His loving attributes – and action – are all over the Bible, and the consummation of his love was fully realized when he sent Jesus to die in the place of all of humanity. Salvation is the result. After all, what’s the point of all the pleasures of God’s creation if they only provide temporary enjoyment? God, in his love, uses them to express his love and care, and perhaps lead each person to a heart-felt repentance. Like when 185 lb-ft of torque quickly overwhelm skinny 215-series tires and you’re confessing all your automotive misdeeds.
With this context in mind, Peter offers this challenge: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?” (v. 11) Some Christ-followers rephrase that challenge like this: Begin with the end in mind. Each day, each priority, each heel-toe downshift, and yes, each safe and cautious full stop at a stop sign.
Although the new 2.4-liter mill makes all the right flat-four noises, Toyota felt the need to augment the engine note through the car’s speakers. This is a real evil. Along with fake exhaust outlets and performance packages that don’t actually increase performance, automotive sins serve as reminders that evil exists in the world and God’s judgment is on its way. So begin with the end in mind.
John V16 is the confluence of God and cars. Please support our work and donate a V16-powered 1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen to John V16. Or share this article with a friend.
