Is a Christian Car Dealer an Oxymoron?

Thankful for Competent Christians in All Matters of Business. I didn’t want to do it but, I did. I fired off a question about a used vehicle I found listed online.

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Then I waited for the barrage of calls, texts, and emails to come from a salesperson who would ruthlessly try to land a sale, whatever the cost.

Car Shopping: Not for the Faint of Heart

Buying a new vehicle is not for the faint of heart. It is a rigorous endeavor. This is especially true when in the market for buying an SUV to fit the needs of a growing family with a less than extravagant budget, and yet still needing a dependable mode of transportation. I know many of you can relate.

Imagine my surprise when I received a brief text from Tim, thanking me for the inquiry, and telling me he would get back to me soon with the information I was requesting. In less than 30 minutes he sent me a video link with:

  • A brief video introduction of himself
  • A video walk around of an expedition inside and out and under the hood.
  • Complete with sizzling graphics overlay and  a jazzy tune playing in the background for the 90 second video! 

Pretty amazing huh? Needless to say, Tim’s “above and beyond” WOW personal, customized video service more than captured my attention and respect.

This Expedition ended up being out of our price range, so I didn’t pursue buying it. I did, however, compliment Tim on how his non-pushy, innovative, and extremely professional approach was so refreshing compared to my other car shopping experiences. 

By the way if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, just reach out. I can hook you up with Tim from Peak KIA North, in Greeley, CO just north of Denver. 

I could tell he was touched and genuinely appreciated my encouragement. He then, said something like, “I understand where you’re coming from, if you change your mind, or would like to see something else, just let me know.”

That was it. Nothing more. No cajoling or arm-twisting of any kind. What an example of innovative, competent, caring, “above and beyond” service, that made my experience enjoyable, even though I didn’t bag the SUV of my dreams!

Christian Competence in Business: Refreshing & Compelling

In a subsequent conversation, I found out that Tim is a person of faith, which made me all the more jazzed. I asked his permission to share this story with you as I believe it exemplifies the kind of competence followers of Christ should display – whatever their profession. He more than happily obliged.

Someone once said,

“Your greatest contribution for the kingdom in your work is to be competent.”

Dorothy Sayers similarly referenced the importance of a Christian’s competence (with an obvious reference to Jesus’ profession as a carpenter, most of His adult life),

“The Church’s approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to moral instruction and church attendance. What the Church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that His religion makes upon Him is that He should make good tables.”

Does Competence Trump a Compelling Character?

In my opinion, no way. If I ended up buying the Expedition from Tim and it turned out to be a lemon, and he knew it, I would have been repulsed by any mention he made of Christ, the Bible or church–just like the many unfortunate experiences I hear about all the time, from those who have been burned by professing believers in business.

In our technologically advanced, success driven culture, however, I do believe high competence is a must for Christians in the workplace. If we can get that right, and match it with a high character component and a gentle courage to converse with others about the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) THAT would be a compelling triad that would be hard for anyone far from God to ignore.

Daniel was a PERFECT example of this. When an all out witch hunt was carried out to find any dirt in his character or competence, look what God’s inspired Word says about him,

“They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt or negligent.” ~ Daniel 6:4b

Further, who did King Belshazzar turn to when all of his “wise” men could not interpret the mysterious writing on the wall that suddenly appeared by an invisible hand? Daniel. Why? Because he was found as someone who had a…

“…keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems…” ~ Daniel 5:12b

No wonder Daniel remained a go-to guy, with irresistible, culture changing influence and leadership for over 40 years, even through the transition of 3 powerful pagan kingships!

O how we need more heroic, competent, problem solving, culture changing Christ-followers in the workplace, business, and churches today! Will you dare to be a Tim? Will you dare to be a Daniel?

I am so grateful this Thanksgiving season for Tims, for Daniels, and for those like you whom I have the privilege of serving through Kingdom Way Ministries. I pray that you will have some treasured times of worship with family and friends this Thanksgiving.


Discussion:  

  • Share an example of how you have been blessed or challenged by a competent Christian in a workplace environment by leaving a comment or through one of your favorite social media tabs below.

It is my hope and prayer that these Tipping Point posts are a blessing and challenge to you in your walk, your work, worship and witness. If they are, we would love it if you encouraged those in your sphere of influence to subscribe for free. And if you can, or so feel led, we would love your partnership in making work and ministry one around the world by making a one time, or recurring donation, HERE. Thank you!

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