HEADLINE-Automotive News, week of 11-09-09. "Ford and GM Idle Plants Due to Transmission Plant Strike in India." Now reread it again, just to get the impact. India, a third world country, the country that worships cows, and believes in reincarnation, a nation that except for North Korea hates and persecutes Christians more than any other nation in the world, is effectively shutting down our US car factories, we are waiting on parts. From them, because of a cost savings in having them built over there. And you notice I didn't say American car plants, as any vehicle manufactured from Canada to Mexico is considered to be American built. All those Chrysler mini vans-Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The new Camaro, same thing. Chevy and Ford trucks and cars-Mexico. And here is a pop quiz. What car made in the US has the most US made parts in it? If you answered the Nissan Altima you are correct. A Japanese car, made in Tennessee. Just slightly, 600 miles south of Detroit, once known as the Motor City, aka Motown, aka the auto capital of the world. Detroit, where unemployment is now over 30%, and the average house selling there this year is $7000! Not a misprint. And we all stand by and shake our heads and wonder, that this couldn't be happening to us, as GM announces that they built more Buicks in China than the US last year, and that they are thinking of shutting down our US factory and importing Buicks from China. Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick-built in the USA?
You see there are many places in the US where the bus doesn't stop anymore. We have exported our strengths, our heritage, and become a slave, both monetarily and emotionally to others. We have lost who we are. And we wonder, how did we get there from here? And how do we get back?
Recently I have run into two friends who have had knee reconstruction for the second time. The replacement parts wore out, and to save the knees, have to be rebuilt. Inconvenience, sure-but when done, better than new-until they wear out again. Promised that they will be as good as new-again.
Many Christians live their lives like that. They have the attitude that "that will never happen to me." You see it's only a glass of wine, I quit before I get a buzz. How do you know? Or it's only a friendly flirt, then a latte at Starbucks, then a kiss, and you get the picture. It's only an R rating-I can handle all the sex and violence. Yeah, but how about your wife and kids? And it's only the F word-every body says it. No, everyone doesn't! And soon you become a slave to a sin that you thought you could handle, and now it handles you. Hey, it was just a transmission from India. And just like Detroit, you become bankrupt and valueless-lonely and alone. For your shame-which is really pride, keeps you from church and fellowship with other Christians-just the place you need to be. The one place you should be you avoid, and the spiral continues. You go offshore what you should be getting at home.
The Bible tells us to work out our salvation daily, with fear and trembling. It is not advocating works for salvation, or that you must be born again, again and again. It is like an athlete, working out. Staying spiritually in shape by being in the word, going to church, and fellowshipping with other believers. Like Kelly told me last week, he hadn't lifted in a while and was sore when he did again. He hadn't lost his strength, just some muscles needed to be exercised that hadn't been. And it hurt, but he will be ok. God knows we will stumble, and fall. He is there to pick us up and get us going in the right direction. But it takes the first step on our part, and soon, like old knees, or unused muscles, we can function like we should-a new creation in Christ. A healthy creation-one that enjoys all that God has to offer. Anyone not want or need more blessings?
I can see a day coming, when some corporate execs overseas will be discussing locations for new plants. Cheap labor, good resources, and a willing work force. An economy that needs rebuilding. And there is already an infrastructure in place, and they once built cars there. A city called Detroit. I just hope it is soon enough that no one says-where's that? Before you go the way of Detroit-repent. Seek God. Before you encounter someone who says " that guy looks familiar, I can't place him. Didn't he used to go to church here? Wasn't he a Christian?" Change your ways. No one sets out to fail, but if you do, God can do reconstructive surgery on your heart. It could happen to you. Let Jesus happen first. The bus may not stop here anymore, but Jesus still does-in fact He never left.
Welcome back. We missed you. God still loves you. Say, what kind of car do you drive....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com