The sign I have seen hanging in old repair shops still makes me laugh, and when I managed small auto repair shops wish I could have charged what it claimed. So I did. It reads as follows:
$40/hour labor
$50 if you worked on it first
$60 if you stay and watch
$70 if you help.
I like the $40 customers the best. Let us diagnose, let us repair, and then let us call you when it is done. Fair wage for a fair job. Quicker-faster-cheaper-and fixed the first time. Such a deal. The $50 customer is really the bargain. Just not to the shop. He is the one who took it apart, threw all the parts in a box, after throwing away some that he deemed useless, and then tried to install the wrong part-generally forcing it on and breaking something else. The old saying, don't force it, get a bigger hammer applies here. Remember those electrical parts that are non-returnable-this guy is why. Often heard after asking what happened, "it came that way." Either marking him a liar-true, or a bigger fool for spending money on something that was obviously broken. Never his fault-but you can be sure it can be yours.
Then there is the old retired, usually Navy vet, who insists upon staying and talking to you all day. From complaining about how things were better in his day, he ruins yours. Things cost too much, are too complicated, and remember he is on a fixed income. Like who isn't? And with his help, inane questions, and ability to give his opinion on everything, and anything-the repair takes twice as long. But you can't charge him for it-hoping he never returns will be enough compensation. Again a bargain for the customer, when you consider the child care you must provide while he hangs around. Sometimes even a thank you card from his wife comes a few days later, as she needed a break too.
But the ones who are the most annoying, are the combination of all three. The guy who takes it apart, breaking parts, losing screws, and then throwing the special order part in the trash by accident, and doesn't want to wait while you reorder it-at a higher price. He has no other plans than to bother you today, so he will hang around, commenting, and even trying to help-just not you. His "here, let me help" interference has caused the job to take twice as long, cost twice as much, and kept the mechanics from fixing other cars. And experience will tell the shop owner to bid high-one to cover yourself, two to cover him helping, and three-maybe the high bid will run him off. Note-pick #3! Note, note-on warranty work, which the dealer must take in-we were always 15 weeks out in appointments for you guys. For emergencies.
God has made us all individuals-and I am thankful. Mostly. But because we are human, we also tend to operate off a price list. Some of us just trust God, we go to church, pray, do Bible studies, and live our lives with Him at the center. We have learned that if God guides, He provides, and He knows best. And generally doesn't need our help-and not our advice! He's never asked me, has He ever asked you?
Most people fall into the group that after all avenues are exhausted, then pray. God is their last resort, and only part of their lives when they cannot do it themselves, or are out of money. They bring warped scripture, questionable theology, and it's an all about me lifestyle to the church. Yet somehow know the answer to everyone else's problem, while trying to recover from fixing their own. And wonder why you never return your call. They are the ones who research everything, and find any legalistic reason to satisfy themselves. Beware! You will never be right, or just not as right as them.
I have watched a similar group who always has a question for the pastor. Usually some existential theory, they can't keep tot themselves. So they ask, but never like his answer, so argue. Some wayward book they have read knows more than the Bible. While the pastor has others he needs to see, they take up his time, clock watchers they are called, and can waste anybody's time but their own-your time is theirs. They didn't come to ask anyway, just to argue. And their inability to listen, and rattle on, make them an unwelcome addition to any ministry-yet they continually show up-uninvited! But never identify themselves in this group-only people like them. And generally can't stand people like themselves-the cause is the solution here.
The last group not only has all the endearing characteristics of the former groups, but will undue all good work when given the opportunity. I have watched as after spending time with a couple, the pastor's advice was taken and they are recovering from their problems. Until Mr. Says all, Knows Nothing shows up, and helps. And with his witless insight, and insensitive attitude is able to undo any good that was done. And goes on to help others-leaving a trail of broken lives in his path. Never looking back-for his job is done. And they never got a chance to thank him. Humble, too.
Jesus listens. Then comments. And if we are part of this conversation, not just talking, we will grow when we take His advice. But Godly advice only works when taken. And costs less, and is always more effective. His advice is simple-seek Him first, then all things will be added. A dialog, not a monologue, and you get to know Him better, and your life gets better. Good advice, from the top. No opinions, just the facts. Not good enough?
Well, I know this church down the road-in fact I have referred many people like you to it. And, they need you. We'll miss you, but we'll get by. And no, don't thank me-your absence will be enough thanks. Tell them I sent you.
And may the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding be ours.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com