As a service advisor, and later a service manager, I was
inundated with complaints. As I used to tell people, “ no one comes in and says
my car is running great, and I have no problems. I just need to spend some
extra money.” No to be sure, they have a problem, or worse yet a perceived
problem. Maybe only a symptom, but it needs to be answered, because that is
what we did. But many would seek the help of friends, who knew less than they
did, and often compound the problem. Or give us bad press, sadly it was earned
at times, and come in with a pre-diagnosed problem, that we were to magically
hook up to a computer and remedy-for free, while they waited. They were the
patient ones. Others would first consult that bastion of integrity, the
Internet, and listen to many ignorant opinions of their problem, then tell us
how to fix it. My answer once they admitted their folly, was to “right click
it, and have them fix it.” And I was serious, their diagnosis, let them fix it,
as any reputable tech would do. Another group would call, describe in great
detail the problem, then want to talk to a tech, who would walk them through it
over the phone. Not on my watch, my response was “the techs are here, the parts
are here, and the tools are here. Along with the knowledge and experience to do
it right. do you want to make an appointment?” And sometimes I would have my
integrity, heritage, and professional standing questioned before they hung up,
but I always held my ground. Yes, I wanted to fix their car, only correctly,
not based on opinion, but on the facts. And so I often had to repair cars that
someone else had incorrectly diagnosed, put on the wrong part, or messed up
trying to save a buck. And they ended up spending more time, more money, with
the added free bonus of aggravation thrown in for no extra charge. And we stood
behind our work, ever stand behind an internet claim? Press 1 if you
have....still waiting?
As cars get older they start to develop leaks. According to the
Germans, their cars don’t leak, they weep. Like their owners when they get the
bill. Feel better BMW owner? And British Cars just mark their spot. American
cars, just add to the oil when the light comes on, no need for oil changes that
way. But leaks will and do occur, no matter brand or country of origin.
Physical law unlike advertising doesn’t care, a leak is a leak. And many would
still argue the point, unsuccessfully. It is ten years old, with low miles, it
shouldn’t leak. But it is, and does, gaskets dry out when the engine isn’t used
that much. Can’t right click that one. And gasketing is not a perfect
science-yet. Whenever two things are joined together, a seal is formed, that
can leak. Which is why old Triumphs mark their spot. Take it up with your
physics teacher, the class you skipped in high school wondering “why would I
take that class, nothing there I would ever use in real life.” Ever thought a
Harley tech could teach you physics? Now leaks can be easy, or hard to find. I
never would climb under a car to see the leak, mainly because I couldn’t get
up. But really because leaks have tendency to start at the top, and run down,
we call it gravity. Another law of physics. So always start at the top to look
for the source of the leak. Very few liquids run uphill, it is like the bumper
sticker on the Jeep, “If you can read this, turn me over back on my wheels.”
You have a bigger problem, but again have found the source of the leak. Sadly
people are like cars, cars are smart enough not to become like people... would
you buy and drive a model with your reputation? And looks? How about your
trade in value? Cars 1, people 0.
Now I try to stay out of politics, they are all losers as far as
I can tell. Why substitute them for God, He knows, they write laws. But these
recent scandals have me interested, but for one reason I haven’t heard
editorialized yet. All leaks start at the top. Just ask your advisor or
mechanic. And while there may be circumstances leading to the leak, they never
run uphill. Try that one with your boss, either you are stupid, lying, or just
plain incompetent. In either case, it’s your fault. Confess it and get over it
and go on. We could source the problem, but the repair was still the same,
replace and repair. Stupid hurt, and lack of maintenance or neglect could bet
the problem, the repair was the same. Man, how I wish we could have charged a
stupid fee? And no, stupid isn’t covered under warranty. But thanks for
asking.
So God made it simple for us to get it right with Him. We blew
it with laws, Judges, more laws, evil kings, more laws, and sacrifices which
required no sacrifice on our part. Remember the definition of insanity, doing
the same thing but expecting a different result? That was us, until Jesus
came. And made it a simple one step, not as much fun or time consuming as
weekly meetings or dues paying fixes. Repent and turn to Jesus. Something we
all can do, and many have. We went right to the top to find the solution, just
like any good tech would to diagnose a leak. We found the source, and the
answer there. Yet many read books, watch TV, and send them money, attend poor
churches-you know when you are, or turn to the cults-who keep you away from
Jesus. And your life goes on leaking, when it could be filled to overflowing
with the spirit of God. With Jesus you not only get the proper diagnosis, but
the problem, not the symptom is taken care of. The truth, not some convenient
lie to hold you over until something really breaks. The side of the road is
usually where many phone calls for help come from-ever right click a tow truck?
So seek God today, and then listen. He has the tools, the parts, the knowledge,
and the answer-not opinions to get your life back on the road. To fix the
leak-from the top down. Which is where politicians and Christians form
different lines. Wonder why government is so screwed up? What did the little
Dutch boy do when he ran out of fingers to plug the dike? Look for more
fingers, or find the source? And what do you do when the leak stops by itself?
Check the fluid level-you may be out!
So Mr. Politician-leaks start at the top. And anyone reputable
will want to fix them-could be you on the side of the road next time. But in
real life, bypass Congress, and avoid going to jail-and paying your $200. Life
ain’t Monopoly. Go straight to Jesus, and find He will listen. Now it is your
turn...like the ad says, “pay me now, or pay me later..”
And unlike my service advisor experience, you can come to Him
with no problems, just to visit... it’s called praise and worship. Which is
more fun...like I still tell people, “maintenance is expensive, but repairs
still cost more”. And a worn out Bible is the sign of a life that isn’t. If
Congress made a plane would you fly in it? Yet so many fight to get on
board.
All men are born into sin and need a Savior. Call on Jesus now,
He paid the price, so you don’t have to. It is always best to start at the
top.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com