So Long My Gas Station Attendant

Just a few decades ago, I remember places that simply sold gasoline. They had a few snack items inside, but for the most part, they were established to sell petrol, and provide service for the machines we drive (wash the windows, provide oil changes, tire repair, etc.). When a vehicle was driven over the rubber chord, a bell rang, signifying someone needed the gas station attendant to "fill 'er up."

Sometime during my teenage years, the "filling stations" changed somewhat. There were islands closest to the store that were full-service. Customers could expect the same service as always. There were also outside islands marked as "self-service". Those choosing to "fill 'er up" themselves, could save a few pennies. The incentive for the customer was obvious, eventually leading to less employees for the business and the elimination of the full-service islands.

We've since moved to automated machines at the pump and the elimination of filling stations for the most part. Businesses have diversified offering staple items inside, while also offering self-service for gasoline. Many people pull to the pump, process a credit/debit card, fill their tank, and are on their way (all without fear of the interaction with other people). It's much like a NASCAR pitstop. If someone were hired by the store now to provide service to the customer (other than running a cash register) people would surely be skeptical of the motivation of that person or the business.

Society has now moved to self-service in general. "No one can put gas in my vehicle like I can. No one washes my car like I do. I can do this project , without any help, thank you very much!" This kind of "progress" is much to our society's detriment. Many find it difficult to accept anything from anyone else without strings attached.

The proverbial pendulum has definitely swung from one side (living within community) to the other side (the idea of self-sufficiency). We attempt to teach personal responsibility, while also teaching teamwork and counting on our neighbors. It's no wonder that those we lead are confused.

Anything to add/subtract? BTW, post #100 is now in the "books". Thanks to those of you who read and respond, despite the author!

Created For Community

When I was in Bible College, one of the books that I really appreciated was Stan Grenz's "Created For Community." Grenz argues theology is part of everyday life. In other words, our worldviews determine how we live our lives, including what we think of ourselves, what we believe about the world in which we live, and how we interact with those around us. If you get a chance, this is a great read.

As you've noticed, I've recently been reading Leonard Sweet's "11". Sweet maintains there are 11 relationships that each of us need in our lives. I'll post about each of the relationships and would be interested in your thoughts.

Perhaps we can learn a litle more about how we are created for relationships.

Created for Relationship

We all know independent people. Shae is one of those people. When it comes to changing the oil in the truck, she can do it. When something needs to be done, give her enough time and its accomplished. You've been warned not to challenge her with, "That can't be done!" She will prove you wrong. She will either do it or find someone who will. I have to admit, when I try to do some of those things, I screw it up worse than it was. Eventually, it's time to find someone else to fix the problem.

For the most part, independence is a good thing. But more importantly, we need those we can count on to encourage us to live to our highest potential. We get to the point where we can't accomplish tasks on our own. Even the most independent people eventually need other resources. I need you and you need me.

Fact is: Mankind was created for community. Consider the examples of the Trinity, Adam and Eve, God and the Israelites, Jesus and the Church, marriage, the nuclear family, and _____________(add your own example here).

Americana has led us to believe "To accept, or worse yet, to request help signifies a weakness." How wrong we are when we buy into this idea. Christian pollster George Barna found 1 out of 6 believers has no accountability relationship with another believer.

It's just another way we've allowed society to infiltrate the Church.