"Thanks For Wasting My Time!" (Proverbs 29:12)

I do not buy cars made by a certain manufacturer. The reason goes back several years to an unpleasant episode when I received a flyer in the mail suggesting that I end my current lease on my car and get a new car. My wife and I decided it would be worth a visit to see if this was feasible option.

We were greeted by the usual amicable salesperson who proceeded to take down our information and review our current lease. It turns out the deal the flyer was offering was not quite as good as we were led to believe. After about one hour of negotiations, my wife and I realized that we could not make the numbers work. Looking up at our salesperson, I said, “I’m sorry. I don’t think we can make the numbers work.”

The smile immediately vanished from the salesperson’s face. “So you’re not going to buy a car?”

Shaking my head, I replied, “I’m afraid not.”

“Thanks for wasting my time!” as he rushed out of the room.

I was flabbergasted by his rudeness. I shouted back at him but he continued to walk away, ignoring me. So I demanded that I speak to the manager. Within a few minutes, the manager appeared and I recounted the incident and demanded an apology. He calmed me down and asked me whether I still wanted to buy a car. I replied that I did but couldn’t make the numbers work. So, for the next 45 minutes, we went through numerous payment options. But at the end, it was again futile. The proposals were the same as the first salesperson. Wearied by the negotiations, my wife and I both looked up and said, “I’m sorry. I just don’t think we can make the numbers work. But we appreciate the effort you made.”

“So you’re not going to buy a car?” The same dour face appeared as he stood up.

“No, we’re not.”

“Thanks for wasting my time!”

The culture of any organization begins at the top. This obvious example of the car dealer manager and salesperson effectively drove this point home. The Bible reminds us that when the ruler or leader is bad, the rest of his followers will also be.

If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
Proverbs 29:12 (ESV)

God continually reminds me that I am responsible for setting a godly example for my family and my business. I must listen to God’s truth and not the world’s falsehood when leading. And when I do, it will never be a waste of time.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.