I’ve come to really embrace Toyota vehicles in the last few years. We don’t need to get into the “Big 3” debate. I simply took a step back and looked at the long-term value and performance, with Toyota edging out the other three. Then I factored in the truth – Toyota doesn’t play in politics, endorse candidates in office, or hand out copious amounts of cash to social groups in direct conflict with my Theology like the Big 3. Once I looked at things like that and realized a Tundra is built in Texas with Union Labor, I said yes, and ran out to buy a Tundra Crewmax. That was a lot of years ago.
I guess I got into the “Big 3” debate anyway, huh? Well, get over it. If you don’t like it, make a comment below and we’ll hash it out. It’s only a truck after all. But, I’m going someplace with this, so let me offer you a story.
As a result of becoming a Tundra owner, I joined a number of Tundra FB groups. They’re just as great and horrible as any other group you can find. There are great contributors and terrible posters alike running all over them. But one thing has been constant for a number of years – just about all the posters claim they want something new from Toyota.
“The Tundra’s cab has been the same for 15 years.” “The only things that have changed in the last decade are the front and rear lights and bumpers. Even the grill is the same” “I want an upgraded engine. The 5.7L V8 isn’t powerful enough.” I could go on, but you see what is shaping up from folks in those groups. Toyota doesn’t sell huge volumes of the Tundra like the Ford does with the F-150. But, they do advertise a 300,000-mile operating life prior to major repairs. Nobody does that besides them.
Toyota is being pestered constantly for change. Folks don’t seem to like what they have in the current generation of Tundra or simply don’t appreciate it.
So, for 2022, the Tundra is redesigned. No more V8. Multi-turbo ultra high output V6 instead. Completely different cabin area and ergonomics, all new appearing exterior, and things as neat as a complete front to rear moonroof across the roof are options. …And guess what? All I’ve witnessed are bitchers and bellyachers. “That V6 won’t last half as long as the venerable 5.7V8 did.” “What engineering degree will I need to operate the infocluster they put in?” “That dash looks like a big-screen TV. Are they planning on playing feature films on it?” “That monster moonroof won’t last five seconds on the offroad trail once you’re in a twist.” (<<<As if a person taking a $65K truck off the lot unmodified is going to subject it to rock crawling… #facepalm)
So here’s the thing. All the bawling and boobing about how bad we had it doesn’t appear to have been true or valuable. Maybe we didn’t need to complain about it in the first place? I mean, let’s get real. Go find a row of Tundras on the lot right now. It can’t be done. There are NONE to be bought. They’re selling at the same rate they always have. And just like always, you pay the sticker price for them, or somebody else will two hours after you walk off in a huff.
Here’s my concern. We’re so prone to complaining, we haven’t actually asked ourselves if there is any value in what we’re yipping about. And if we do get changes, we don’t tend to embrace them.
Let’s say for example your church music program isn’t perfect. Show me one that is. I believe your music program is a continuation of worship and your sermon/service. Anyone who puts on a concert for you is probably offering you entertainment more so than worship. There are exceptions, but it appears rare in my experience. We’re sharing love, admiration, and awe for the Lord through song.
So rather than ask ourselves important questions like, “Is our praise team working their butts off to lead our spirits through song?” or, “despite my song preferences are these pieces of music chosen for deliberate and specific reasons, all of which are heartfelt and pleasing to Him?” And my personal favorite, “Am I prepared to step up and participate or lead if I’m willing to squawk about my supposed complaints?” I think we should offer less criticism about the things we don’t like if they aren’t biblical concerns. I think we should recognize the efforts of others. I think we should share our concerns when and if we have them, after long reflection and prayer first. Somewhere, in some book, I read a little something about this very subject…
Don’t complain about things you really haven’t thought through. Don’t offer your criticisms to others if you’re not willing to talk to the person(s) you should be visiting with directly. Instead, be salt and light my friends. I pray it be so.
