Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Craig Lockerd on June 11, 2010 at 7:14pm

Wow we must be the same person....no spouse but the rest is spot on.I would love to see everyones thoughts on this subject,I battle with this a lot.
I start each day with my Bible at my desk before I do anything work related I read, pray and then get started.For me I have been in the Automobile business 37 years and my father was 25 years before that so I have always been around it and have not always done the right thing,said the right thing ,reacted in a way that Jesus would like.Now I try to stop before I answer an email,pray for the right words,listen on a phone call before reacting, and kind of do a 360 from what I used to do.
I have 40 people administrative people plus trainers working with me and many that are in the office are Christians and many of our trainers are, so we are lucky in that respect.Because people are spread out all over the country we have weekly conference calls and at times I may get a bit "preachy" with them but most seem to enjoy that and get something out of it...others don't say much and that's fine.
I don't hold back and people know where I stand and that's the way I feel it should be and I'm comfortable with that.

Permalink Reply by Ron Terry on June 13, 2010 at 12:07pm

Craig,

Thanks so much for your feedback. For all my good intentions, sometimes the "wheels come off" during the day. This is when I am most vulnerable and can fall into old sin patterns...Ron

Craig Lockerd said:

Wow we must be the same person....no spouse but the rest is spot on.I would love to see everyones thoughts on this subject,I battle with this a lot.
I start each day with my Bible at my desk before I do anything work related I read, pray and then get started.For me I have been in the Automobile business 37 years and my father was 25 years before that so I have always been around it and have not always done the right thing,said the right thing ,reacted in a way that Jesus would like.Now I try to stop before I answer an email,pray for the right words,listen on a phone call before reacting, and kind of do a 360 from what I used to do.
I have 40 people administrative people plus trainers working with me and many that are in the office are Christians and many of our trainers are, so we are lucky in that respect.Because people are spread out all over the country we have weekly conference calls and at times I may get a bit "preachy" with them but most seem to enjoy that and get something out of it...others don't say much and that's fine.
I don't hold back and people know where I stand and that's the way I feel it should be and I'm comfortable with that.

Permalink Reply by Mark Dubis on August 7, 2010 at 10:30am

Life isn’t always easy, but most solutions are pretty simple. Being a good Christian involves more than reading the Bible, going to church and quoting passages to co-workers. It involves a holistic commitment to the teachings, the actions, and the attitude that Jesus and other prophets wanted us to adopt.

In the auto industry we have to deal with many personalities and that can often be very trying. Even thought you might want to give someone a “dope slap,” you hold back and have to look at these incidents as tests of our love for our neighbors, and look to find a way to find a good solution to a problem or situation. Our family, our loved ones, our employees and our customers all deserve respect. We as an industry deserve respect, but it’s not something that is easily given but earned.

We also have to be open to listening to other viewpoints. Craig indicates he gets a bit “preachy” on his conference calls and that’s okay as long as all his employees and associates feel they can share their thoughts and opinions even though they might conflict with what Craig is saying. If they feel its Craig’s way or the highway, then resentment will build and long term commitment to the goals and interests of the company will wane.

Remember, not everybody agreed with Jesus all the time, but his actions and the love he showed even his enemies made him a power that has survived to this day. Doing what’s popular isn’t always right and doing what’s right isn’t always popular, but it is right.

Permalink Reply by Craig Lockerd on August 7, 2010 at 11:11am

Thanks Mark!

Mark Dubis said:

Life isn’t always easy, but most solutions are pretty simple. Being a good Christian involves more than reading the Bible, going to church and quoting passages to co-workers. It involves a holistic commitment to the teachings, the actions, and the attitude that Jesus and other prophets wanted us to adopt.

In the auto industry we have to deal with many personalities and that can often be very trying. Even thought you might want to give someone a “dope slap,” you hold back and have to look at these incidents as tests of our love for our neighbors, and look to find a way to find a good solution to a problem or situation. Our family, our loved ones, our employees and our customers all deserve respect. We as an industry deserve respect, but it’s not something that is easily given but earned.

We also have to be open to listening to other viewpoints. Craig indicates he gets a bit “preachy” on his conference calls and that’s okay as long as all his employees and associates feel they can share their thoughts and opinions even though they might conflict with what Craig is saying. If they feel its Craig’s way or the highway, then resentment will build and long term commitment to the goals and interests of the company will wane.

Remember, not everybody agreed with Jesus all the time, but his actions and the love he showed even his enemies made him a power that has survived to this day. Doing what’s popular isn’t always right and doing what’s right isn’t always popular, but it is right.

Permalink Reply by Brad Alexander on September 6, 2010 at 2:36am

This is truly the Great Adventure! I like to say that I'm a disciple of Jesus cleverly disguised as a car salesperson. Starting off the day with some type of devotion time works for me, kind of helps me begin the day with my bearings straight. However, prayer is to be constant ("pray without ceasing" "continuously pray" scriptures tell us). We should be in constant contact with God. Prayer is not limited to quiet time alone with God nor is worship just singing at church. We are to present ourselves as "living sacrifices" (Rom 12:1-2). Every aspect of our lives can be prayer and worship so that the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5) comes through us in all our interactions. We should be in continuous communion with God. Ron, I'm not speaking as one who has perfected this- trust me. It's a common topic at a Bible study I attend. But, when I am "walking in the Spirit" and being "Spiritually minded" the day goes better, the burdens are lighter and the blessings are greater- in every area of life: home, work, play and whatever else I do. Being constantly aware of the reality of God's presence at EVERY MOMENT can make us truly successful. And when I blow it (and I do) I know that Jesus is there waiting to forgive and restore me and pour out more of His grace on me.
I love this topic and I could go on and on. Truly what I want to do is reflect God's love, grace, mercy and forgiveness to all with whom I come in contact. Whether we acknowledge His presence or not, He is here for every breath and heartbeat. He is with us during every negotiation, argument, ranting sales meeting, heated customer exchange, during time with our kids, sitting in front of the computer and when we are with our spouses (even in the bedroom!) We would all do ourselves and those around us a huge favor if we simply acknowledged His presence and let Him take the lead.
I've probably rambled a bit here but, I hope there's something of value to you in what I've written.
Grace and peace-
Brad

Permalink Reply by Tobias Sedillos on October 11, 2010 at 7:27pm

Ron,

One of the things I adapted into my life, that I have found really helpful – is to read the chapter of Proverbs every day that correlates with the date on the calendar… Meaning, there is 31 chapters in Proverbs: one for every day of the month. Currently, I read this chapter every day with my eldest son; and we also read a chapter of another book in the Bible and since we have started this, have gotten through the gospel of John, the book of Romans, and finished chapter 23 of Genesis last night. It is amazing how this single act is working on our hearts daily, and giving us a few minutes of bonding time that we both look forward to every day. My two younger children have even volunteered to join us on occasion – and I have begun to plant the seeds that very soon they will get to do the same thing every day with Dad. My advice, from brother to brother – is to make sure that you set aside some time – daily - to get some spiritual food and together time with Our Dear Heavenly Father… I have found that it will really helps in guiding us through our daily thoughts, actions, and dreams.

Blessings,

Tobias

Permalink Reply by Ron Terry on October 13, 2010 at 6:33am

Tobias,

Good for you in bringing up your kids with daily Bible reading. Thanks for the advice. Many blessings to you and your family....Ron