Scion

It has been said the automobile is a double edged sword. The car has brought us great progress yet also contributed towards the breakdown in community and neighborhoods. No matter where you stand on the conversation (some not having it all) we should consider this...the automobile is here to stay. But what if we, followers of Jesus, took a new approach towards our automobiles. Gas efficiency. What if you could save $1,000 a year on gas? Imagine 500 others doing the same? Are we talking $500,000 of immediate income to put towards mission? No increase in income simply stewardship. Auto repairs. With a new strategy we can also reduce auto repair bills with extended warranties. Auto sharing. What a shame to think that those of us with the message of hope in Jesus have not developed such programs for sharing, stewardship, conservation and communal life. Check out City Car Share at http://www.citycarshare.org/as one example of some thinking along these lines. Imagine the savings on gas, insurance and repairs? Imagine the leverage for the work Jesus called us to? Imagine the conservation? Imagine the fruit of working together. What if just 1 million of the 16 Million people who purchased the Purpose Driven Life Book simply took this step...my calculations if correct assume that @ $1,000 each per year could apply purpose with 1 Billion dollars a year...when we think of the rich young ruler where would we stand? Walking away sad or as part of Jesus words around the Kingdom? Obviously this scenario is not one size fits all. Of course one could feel guilty and call this legalism. Neither are the goal. However stewardship and possibilities are the goal. What if? Our family drove a suburban for almost 4 years. On the hills of San Francisco burning 3 times the gas of our 30 miles a Gallon Scion. The Scion seats 5 comfortably and is under $15K. Half the cost of a suburban, affording us an extended warranty for reduced repairs. We also are choosing to be a one car family since Kel is a "home engineer".
If not this, how can we think with God in mind when we consume? What resources do we have that can be leveraged by small groups of people in a church? Imagine and share other ways to be about the future!