News today (though it was hinted at weeks ago) is that General Motors will stop making Pontiacs. Here are the GM sales figures for 2008:
Chevrolet - 1,801,131
GMAC - 376,696
Pontiac - 267,348
Saturn - 188,004
Cadillac - 161,159
Buick - 137,197
Humer - 27,485
Saab - 21,368
My question is -- why would you discontinue the line that is 3rd in sales out of 8 product lines? I'm sure there is some intricate thinking of which I am unaware that leads to such a decision. But to the common person on the street, it just doesn't make sense.
Perhaps the current difficulties in the world are due to complicated and convoluted reasoning rather than common sense. We like to complicate everything -- economics, international relationships, domestic politics and even the Gospel. Look at what the church has done over the past 2,000 years with the very simple, and "common sensical" commandment to "love God with heart, soul, mind and strength and one's neighbor as one's self." UGH!
Hey bill, a thought came to mind when reading this post of sensibilities, particularly in reference to the Church:
ReplyDeleteyou had said "Look at what the church has done over the past 2000 years with the very simple and 'commonsensical' commandment to Love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength and one's neighbor as one's self.""
I agree, the church has perhaps created such intricacies in the commandments that it might not look like those commandments. Yet, if we simply alter the commandments ever-so-slightly as to only include their Torahic equivalents, we can extend the very same difficulties of complicating our relationships (with God, each other, creation, etc.) to the entirety of Israel.
Aside from its literal context pertaining to Gentile inclusion in the Church, As we read the Pauline epistles, then maybe we can consider ourselves as the church to be the "wild" chutes which are mentioned in Paul's illustration of being "Grafted into the olive tree" which is Israel. After all, Israel itself was basically one giant dysfunctional family which was fulfilled in Christ. But despite being dysfunctional or being complicated or missing the point from time to time, i think it's awfully humbling that this is the family God has chosen and loves because it is analogous to all humanity. Moreover, I think the fact that he will exalt them to the throne of God as heirs and sons of God is just incredible.
I think we, alongside with our forefathers in the Christian faith, can come with all our confusions and over-thought ideas to the cross, and understand that the mysteries of man are like dust to the Lord and confide in the grace which He has given in His son.
Just a few thoughts which you probably have already thought of by now :-) Take it easy!