FORD OR CHEVY?
Some folks are more than willing to share their perspective and opinion, and given the chance, they’ll share it with the conviction and flair of a good ole’ southern preacher. Seems that it’s a learned habit, happens over time, adopting other’s opinions, traditions, experiences, and becomes part of us.
Funny how people come to an opinion or belief in something and their minds get set like stone, not willing to yield an ounce. The sermons or debates just depend on our circle.
I’ve heard hunters who swore their hunting dogs were the best and gave ten good reasons to back it up, or why their brand of dog food was better than yours. Just ask a blue collar fella if he’s a Ford or Chevy man and what the best motor ever built was. You’ll get an earful with passion and facts… rarely checked, of course.
I’ve heard women speak with the same passion over ingredients in a cake, casserole, or stew. I’ve also been enlightened as to the best way to cook a steak, chicken, fish, and vegetables, along with the best techniques, herbs, spices, and choicest of brands, just in case you don’t get time to grow them on your own, or the birds or dogs eat em’. They all sound right t0 me.
If the everyday subjects of life bring about passion and prejudice, then I’m not quite sure what to call what politics and religion bring… Intensity is just the tip of the iceberg, and I don’t mean lettuce… Many folks want to believe they’re intelligent, that they have the tools of reasoning, but rarely let facts get in the way of their emotions.
It’s an art or a gift to get others to listen to our beliefs and opinions, some call it charisma. It’s hard to sell truth to a world that cherishes fantasy and fairy tales though. It feels like many of the people of position have bought into the “if you can’t beat em’, join em” mentality.
I spent the majority of my life trying to convince others of my beliefs and opinions with passion and conviction, even with irrefutable facts for good measure, but rarely is a heart changed by mere words. It took some time to figure out in my heart the words of Christ, “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.” Those words truly are golden when grasped by the heart and not just the mind.
Those words were spoken with love and compassion to some of the people our Savior knew would hate and betray Him. Seeking to understand the hearts behind the scared eyes of those who adopt opinions or religions based on their free will and fear is the beginning of being able to really communicate with others. Not just argue and preach truth, but live truth, breathe it into the lives that so desperately need it.
“And the Truth will set you free.”
I suppose as long as either the Ford or the Chevy get you there, it’s all good.
Know what I mean?
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 3:07 am
I would love to have back all the stupid times I argued my case only to turn people off rather than on. They saw more arrogance in my attitude and speech than love. No wonder there was no fruit. And for the record…I take Chevy over Ford, but I drive a 2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. 🙂
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:35 pm
I’ve been there and done that too, Bill… more often than I can recount. It’s about the heart, not the head. Some of us are just slow learners… take you and the Chevy for instance… Kidding! I used to argue about that just like I would doctrine… now I whatever vehicle gets us to the other side is perfect. Thanks, Bill.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 5:46 am
Ah. The old Chevy or Ford debate. I’ve heard plenty of passionate speaches in that one. Unfortunately, the young Christian me was just like that – assuming I could change hearts with persuasive arguments no matter the listener’s viewpoint.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:36 pm
You’re not alone, Chuck. You and I seem to have zig-zagged the same paths in this life, brother. I appreciate the wisdom and heart, now we can actually be of some use! Thanks, Chuck.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 6:18 am
I know exactly what you mean.
It’s sad that people miss the forest for the trees. They get so caught up in things that really don’t matter and miss the opportunities to shine God’s light and share His love.
I don’t think people mean to do this, it’s just “human nature”. So grateful that my life is found in Christ and I don’t have to live according to that old nature…however sometimes I still choose to.
Praise God for His abundant grace!
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:37 pm
The words of wisdom gained the tough way, TC. I know that kind, my friend. One thing’s for sure; you never forget once you finally get it! Thanks for your heart, TC.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 11:48 am
I think it was Elvis that said…”Opinions are like noses, everybody has one and all of them smell!” I used to be a mouthy type of guy, thankfully Father God has humbled me and given me a much more controlled speech pattern. Good words bro’!
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:38 pm
I like that old saying! You and me both on the mouth running too much, Jay. I surprised I didn’t get lumped up more often! Thanks, Jay. Good to hear from you, my friend.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 12:11 pm
My Dad said I would argue with a fence post. And that went into my adult life till I met face to face with , Be swift to hear and slow to speak. changed my whole life, honest. Through the years I have become less opinionated about a lot of things. The only thing I am radial about is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And there have been times God has said, hush my child, listen and learn this person needs some more watering, its not for you to reap this harvest.
Ace and I are sold on Buick or any car that will stand the test of time, lots of time and miles. We drive a 1992 Buick, 165 thousand miles and the motor runs like a dream. We don’t defend our right to drive a Buick, we just drive it and people will say, boy those were good cars. My thing is if we keep it long enough it may become a rare classic. I do like the CRV Toyota’s,easy to get into and that is becoming more important to me as I age.
As for my right to be opinionated I left my rights at Calvary and every time I try to go back and use it God there is that scripture in James again. Good post brother…
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:42 pm
It might not seem like it, Betty, but you and I have much in common! Well, except you being mature and all! I so appreciate your stories and how you relate them in a way that speaks directly to my heart. That’s a gift, and I have to tell you again, I sure do appreciate it, sister. The days of me being overly excited about a vehicle are past. The things I once lived for are now the things just of necessity. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a nice car, I just don’t have to own it to appreciate it. Thanks, Betty.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 4:40 pm
Floyd,
My favorite lines of yours in here: “Seeking to understand the hearts behind the scared eyes of those who adopt opinions or religions based on their free will and fear is the beginning of being able to really communicate with others. Not just argue and preach truth, but live truth, breathe it into the lives…” Yes!
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:44 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Jennifer. Funny how the simple truths is what we’re all shaking our heads and agreeing to. Not funny ha ha, peculiar the way our Father enlightens us. Amazing really.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 4:51 pm
Loved this one, Floyd. You know, we are called to be ready with an answer if someone asks about our faith, but we will never be able to *convince* someone into faith. The Holy Spirit does His work, and calls us to be partners with Him. That being said, I agree with you that some people can get very “heated” in their discussions – especially about politics or religion. In the end, it can all amount to a pile of fluff. We are called, as Christ’s representatives, to something more. IF we don’t walk the walk of the talk we talk, we are truly missing the best opportunity to spread His truth.
As for me, I’m a Ford girl. I have a 1999 Explorer (which I’ve named Eddie, by the way), and it’s been a great friend. However, I might possibly be convinced to accept a Chevy from someone, especially if it happens to be a Corvette.
GOD BLESS!
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:47 pm
“Convinced”, excellent way to put that, Sharon. All we need to do is be who our Savior has shown us to be. That love and humility will speak light years more than words. You sound like a person after my own heart! Nothing wrong with a nickname for a truck! And yeah, who would pass on a Vette? Thanks, Sharon. For your heart and for sharing your wisdom with a flair that is pure you. It is a gift, sister!
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 5:10 pm
When I was growing up, my dad drove either a Ford or a Chevy, which ever happened to be the best buy at the time. Robert loves his Ford Pick Up, and the deal that made it his. Opinions are varied about all subjects. Doing to others as you would have them do onto you is a sermon that speaks without words. Truth is what some cannot agree upon. The Truth will set you free, but truth also causes some to become angry. Thanks for another great Post and for allowing it to show up at “Tell Me a Story.”
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:49 pm
I’m with you and Robert, Hazel. If it gets me there, it’s all good! You’re right, Truth does set some people’s soul on fire in a way that they want to fight. Those are the tough ones to love, but our Father loves them all. I have to remind myself of that often. We are free indeed! Thanks, Hazel. And thanks for letting me share it at your place!
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 5:48 pm
You pulled me in with your title today! “It’s hard to sell truth to a world that cherishes fantasy and fairy tales though.” So very true…our lives are probably our best witness. It seems so many want to argue about EVERYTHING 🙂 Loved everything about this post, Floyd! Have a great week.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:51 pm
Yeah, this is one of those subjects that we all have experience with, either living it, or hearing it. I used to argue at the drop of a rock, now, I’d rather understand and have God show up in ways that do the talking. My words can accomplish nothing without His will. Thanks, Nannette.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 5:48 pm
I second what Jennifer said about her favorite line, Floyd. Our oldest son left his faith when he was attending a very conservative Christian college. He had a couple of wonderful staff from the university (the provost and the dean of students) visit with him and his roommate who was also a skeptic once a week for quite awhile. They obviously cared about the boys and were willing to really listen and try to understand them.
He also had several students who were great with apologetics, very knowledgable, but they just gave the quick and intelligent defense and didn’t really listen, even though I’m guessing they still cared. I remember my son saying how much he appreciated the first two and didn’t appreciate the apologists. Love, respect, and understanding of the person does far more toward winning hearts than the quick argument. Love your blog post, Floyd.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:53 pm
Boy, isn’t that the truth? We all want to be genuinely cared for, not directed like cattle, it’s not the way our Father made us! What a great way to learn that! I can only imagine how God will use that wisdom in your son’s life and for all he passes it on to. Clearly the hand of our Father. Thanks for sharing that, Barb!
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 7:00 pm
Floyd, I do think that often actions speak louder than words. When we love sacrifcially, give of ourselves and resources generously, and listen to others from the perspective of walking in their shoes, we earn the right to speak into their hearts, when God shows us that the timing is right. At times, though, we have to stand up for truth when we can see it being devalued. I know you do that, and you’d do it in a Chevy or Ford in a heartbeat.
Love this,
Lynn
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:55 pm
Couldn’t agree more, Lynn. Love the way you put that! Yep… in either or, I’d just be happy to have the wheels. Thanks, Lynn.
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:11 pm
I’ve probably told the story here before, but if not…
When I was newly sober, I was known to try to beat my views into the heads of my still drinking friends – “You gotta quit drinking and find God!! Right now, and my way (’cause it’s the right and only way)!!” – which phase lasted more than a few months, and during which time I managed to alienate a number of folks. Sometime after this phase had worn off, some folks noticed a change in me – most especially in my behaviors and attitudes towards the still-suffering addict/alcoholic friends that I still had. I stopped being so positive I had the answer for anyone else but myself; in fact, I knew I had answers – real ones now – and the truth of “attraction, rather than promotion” was making itself visible in how I approached people.
The upshot? Today, if you can’t see that I love you and care about you as a person, why would I expect you to listen to me talk about your need for a relationship with the Creator? If all you hear coming from me are rules and regs, and the arch of my eyebrow says “Don’t sit near me”, why would anyone believe I know what I’m talking about when I say I know a love worth knowing if the language of my life screams “DENIAL!”?
Opinions? Yeah – I still have them (and I find them to be more like hairs – more than one per subject, usually a mess, and far too often in front of my eyes so I can’t see clearly) – the trick is to not let them govern my conduct towards the next person in my life – who could be Jesus hiding amid the least of these…
Monday, May 12, 2014 @ 9:59 pm
Rick, Rick, Rick. How I love the way you nail things down like a couple of 2×4’s nailed together! Your wisdom is amazing. Your gift to share it is as rare as a blood moon, brother. You always take my understanding of a subject to another level. Thanks, Rick. God bless, brother.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 5:15 am
Well, Floyd, your skill with words has once again lured me over and then reeled me in. Great post. And I loved Rick’s comment: “If you can’t see that I love you and care about you as a person, why would I expect you to listen to me talk about your need for a relationship with the Creator?”
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 6:08 pm
Thanks, Pam. I’m just happy to have you here, sister! And I agree with you, Rick’s comment is the best part of this post! Gotta love the wisdom that stops by this site! Including yours, Pam!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 8:46 am
I enjoy a good debate, but like you said, you don’t win people over that way. You won’t convince them (or even if you do, they probably won’t admit it). Confrontation only seems to further entrench us in our previously held opinions or beliefs. Love changes people. Jesus changes people. And well, God is love so we see where it comes from. Good stuff, Floyd. Thanks.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
I’m with you, Jason. It’s when we want to win for our own ego or gratification that other folks smell it a mile away. Humility is the mark of our Savior. It’s been a long time learning that one! Thanks, Jason.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 11:20 am
I’m seeing this problem daily in Ukraine right now. Both sides are convinced that the other side is facist and nazi! It’s down right crazy! It’s a problem in churches in Ukraine too, people are divided. My stance is that we need to take a step back and focus on truth. Ultimately Christians shouldn’t be diehard Ford or Chevy or even diehard pro-Ukrainian or pro-Russian, we should be pro-gospel and pro-truth but sometimes that’s easier said than done.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
That’s exactly my point, Caleb! It’s not about us being right, it’s about our Savior being lifted up and not letting the little doctrines separate us! I hear you and share your frustration, brother!Thanks, Caleb.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 11:30 am
Or worse yet, a Toyota! Yeah, we hold on to our perfect little worlds and fight for them to the end. Over what? The cost to our friendships, our witnesses, and our very souls just isn’t worth it.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 6:13 pm
Exactly, David. It’s lunacy! We spend time trying to defend our pride! And if it’s our pride then our Father isn’t anywhere in it! I’m with you exactly! Thanks, David.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 11:30 am
Or worse yet, a Toyota! Yeah, we hold on to our perfect little worlds and fight for them to the end. Over what? The cost to our friendships, our witnesses, and our very souls just isn’t worth it.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 1:34 pm
Dear Floyd
Your post today reminds me a lot off that saying that says if you can’t beat others, rather join them. Sometimes that is the safer and easier way to live, but it can never bring peace to your heart. The price we need to pay in the long run though, just is not worth it. I wonder why it it so hard to differ from others without jeopardizing your relationships. Can it be because we have an enemy that specializes in ruining loving relationships, even our relationship with our Pappa God…??
Blessings XX
Mia
Tuesday, May 13, 2014 @ 6:15 pm
Good call, Mia! The enemy does play on our flesh, stroking ego and pride which is the beginning of all our problems. Being right for our own edification is the exact hand of our enemy! You nailed that, Mia! It’s wonderful to hear from you, sister. You’re wisdom and insight has been missed… Welcome back, Mia!!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 @ 9:49 pm
I see no point in arguing with people (about anything), I’ll share the truth of the gospel but not try to convince a person who is totally unconvinced or has no desire to learn about Jesus. At that point I chose to share through the example I live and not necessarily in words. I’m a Ford person:)
Thursday, May 15, 2014 @ 7:33 pm
I know you well enough to know you have that wisdom and intelligence, Dan. And your example is stellar, my friend. Thanks, Ford man!
Thursday, May 15, 2014 @ 8:45 pm
Thank you:)
Friday, May 16, 2014 @ 4:50 pm
My pleasure, Dan.
Friday, May 16, 2014 @ 6:40 pm
I don’t know how I missed this one, Floyd. Great post, brother. My thoughts are going in many directions, but the one speaking the loudest is, God’s word never returns void. I think of Billy Graham. He preached the same basic sermon every time, the Gospel message, Amen? And every time, people respond. By the thousands! He didn’t need a gimmick, hot coals or baseball bat and neither do we. Have a great weekend! PS Benches are one of my favorite objects to photograph. They speak peace to me. And if they’re in a garden, even better!
Saturday, May 17, 2014 @ 10:26 am
Amen, and good call on Billy Graham, June. It’s when we start getting caught up on the accessories of our spiritual lives that we begin to miss the point of the basic transpiration that we’re called to share with others. You completely get it, sister!
I’m with you on the things built by human hands with God’s creation as the bountiful backdrop make for soul pleasing pictures. Excellent job, June!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 @ 7:52 pm
In our present-day world, with piles of acceptance re: what we refer to as significant sinfulness, my heart is worn out and tired and broken. My God-job continues to be dropping seeds into their hearts, even though I can’t be the one that will make things change. Intensity is increasing. I hope I can just serve the Lord forever and ever. Good thinking and good sharing on your part, as usual. Thank you, Brother.
Friday, May 23, 2014 @ 5:20 pm
It is a wearing process, Joanne. Good for you for continuing to serve and push in His will for your ministry. It a glorious act for and by our Father. Thanks, Joanne.