Thursday, October 25, 2012

wonderful counselor-can you afford anyone less?







I talked with a friend yesterday who has had his bike in the shop over a month, and then they call saying they can't fix it, don't know what the problem is, and it is probably ok to ride. Frustrated he is given some alternatives, with a lesson learned-never go back there. And having been on both ends, as a service manager and a distraught customer, I can empathize with him. So gave him some real world advice. Good advice only works if taken...if I'd have known this 40 years ago...
As a manager we always wanted first shot at fixing a problem. I always told our techs to "autograph your work with excellence," so whoever worked on it next was impressed. But sometimes the customer thinks he is always right, to me a sign of a shop in decline. Imagine coaching the surgeon through open heart surgery. "Don't touch that red thing, what is it anyway?" But first you must take it to someone who is qualified. Give them the proper info, then let them fix it. Unfortunately some customers expect miracles, and on some vehicles that is what it takes. Techs nowadays are not taught to properly diagnose, and won't because they won't get paid for it. A good service manager sees they will-if they are doing their job, if not we have let people go because they are less than professional. But what if they can't fix it the first time? Whose fault is it? The state of California has consumer protection laws, if a vehicle cannot be fixed after being down for 30 days, no matter how many visits, it can be returned or replaced. Not quite that easy, but persistence and a good attorney help. I have dealt with men who overbought, couldn't afford the payments, so made up fake reasons, exposing themselves. I have also dealt with patient people who loved the car, and just wanted it fixed. We finally had to take the attitude that we not only had to fix the car, but fix the customer too. Cars are easier. People don't come with warranties...and in real life that is why doctors and lawyers only practice their trade...and can bury the victim if they lose. Sometimes you may be better off having been born a Pinto, or a Pacer.
Yet we shuttle off to the dealer, sometimes after having been warned not to. Trusting man over God, as if He were just another man to voice His opinion. Too many shop their problems around until they get an answer they like. As Christians we have Jesus, our wonderful counselor to consult first, but usually wait until we can only make the situation worse-they call out in desperation. Never our fault, just accusing Him, "where were you in the first place?" Generally He was holding the life preserver that you wouldn't take. So don't lean on your own understanding, trust God going in. All advice isn't Godly, even if it comes from the church. A few years back they sponsored a Christian writers conference, and I sent in a sample. And never heard back, but I did from God. Who asked me two questions, "where can you find a better editor than me?" and "who is a better publisher than me?" Consider the Bible, who was the editor and publisher? The number one all time best seller. Any complaints, see my boss. He also accepts praise and worship on our behalf. Again Godly advice only works if taken, and we too often look at God in worldly ways. Bringing Him to our level, rather than recognizing who He is, and trying to reach up to His. If you find yourself arguing with God, remember He is never wrong, always right, and can get you out of your situation-if you let Him! Stupid hurts!
So if your bike breaks, your car won't run, or is worse after you tried to fix it, it still is not too late to turn to Jesus. Ask, and He will offer good advice, if He is the wonderful counselor, why settle for anything else? And if you lost great riding time, costing you money and inconvenience, learn the lesson-ask around to those who know, who ride your brand, and whose testimonies are based on God. Maybe that is why I ride more than others-my bikes are rarely in the shop-God has led me to the best, and I have obeyed. Which is better than sacrifice when it comes to riding. Or anything else in life. Why can we always find the time to do it again the second time, when we could have avoided all the trouble by listening to God in the first place?
Today is the four month anniversary of my open heart surgery. God led me to the right surgeon, the right hospital, and the best care. People die from what I had, no second chances. It pays to listen, and obey. Now, what may I ask is your problem? Have you talked to our wonderful counselor? Losers make excuses, Christians have testimonies. The words from your mouth will tell us what choice you made.
love with compassion, out riding, and living,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com