We love to negotiate. And from my many years in the automotive field, I felt immersed in it sometimes, although I was in service. Why even have prices? It seems though, in car sales, the sticker is the starting point. And we always try to negotiate down from there. The dealer owes me because I want to buy his car. I blame this on Chrysler, at least for the current generation, as they introduced rebates. Instead of trying to sell you a car at a fair price for all, we are going to offer you money off up front. A discount before you ask. And thus created the notion that they are overcharging. And depending on which side of the sales desk you are on, either they are ripping you off, or making a shrewd deal for the dealership. And working in dealerships the last ten years, in service, they all want to negotiate.
"Jiffy Lube will change my oil for less." My answer, "take it there, we repair a lot of Jiffy Lube oil changes." And I would tell them when they asked for a discount, "let me see if the tech will work for less. But he usually doesn't like to discount his quality of work to match the price." Now try that sometime at a restaurant, just before they ask you to leave. Or at Vons. Or ask the cashier at Wal-Mart, and you may even get to practice the second language you learned in high school.
Now we all like a good deal. And a basic premise between buying and selling is found in the following statements. "That jerk SOLD me that car." Or "Check out the new car I just bought,what a deal!" We never commit to stupid deals, but sure want to tell the world of our negotiating skills when we put one over on the salesman. Pride, they call it.
And over the years, I have noticed a phenomenon when discounting a product or service. The more that you discount, the more the customer thinks you have ripped them off. They always think they could have gotten a better deal, and their friends tell them so. "Shoulda taken me along, coulda got you a better deal." Not with me. And thanks for not bringing your pinhead friend along. But the converse works when charging a fair price, or even one that seems too high. I had customers bring me gifts, and introduce me to their friends-only deal with Mike, he will treat you fair. When the customer knows what he is buying, and understands why the price is what it is, he is more comfortable with the purchase. And finally you learn a common denominator, if you don't provide the service the customer needs, no matter the price you have charged too much.
And for over 6000 years we try to negotiate with God. Lot, when God came to rescue him from Sodom and Gomorrah, pleaded with God from 50 down to one righteous man to be found and save the city-but none were found. Perhaps because God's idea of righteous and ours is different. Helps to negotiate on the same thing. Imagine Jesus in the garden, asking God if there is any other way. Maybe the outlook would be better if God had given Him a trained set of twelve. "Father, how about another dozen, rather than this dirty dozen. Watch as I can find those righteous Lot was talking about." But God had already found the one righteous man He wanted. Fortunately, Jesus was that righteous man God was talking about, and I am thankful for what He did. No deals, no let me talk to my manager. He made it simple-He died for all. Do I hear anyone volunteering to take His place? Let me show you the nails. Any questions?
Only Jesus was the right deal. The fair deal. The best deal. And the ONLY deal. And still is today. You cannot work your way to heaven. And although our fleshly, worldly ego tells us what a good job we do when we happen not to screw something up, you cannot negotiate a better deal with God. But you can trust Him. Maybe that is why you are so unhappy, because the best deal is offered, and you won't take it. Who knows better than God what you need? Who knows better your desires? If there is a person, e-mail me. For now, I will stick with the one and only-Jesus. Begotten, unlike any other. Negotiated your soul out of hell by giving up His life. He paid the ransom. Bad deal for Him, incredible deal for you. And now you only owe Him your life, so give it to Him. And don't try to tell us how good you are, we know more than we are telling. And God knows even more!
Trusting God, you are in the spirit. Negotiating, or whining to God. Legalist. Bet you didn't know that. Now you do. So you can get the best deal every time. Trust God. Quit living in futility, and you can do it now. And before 5pm and before 55-no senior discounts. Oh, and you don't have to be a certain height to go. Trust God. Don't talk to me, listen to Him. Let Him tell you about the deal He has made-for you!
love with compassion,
Mike
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