As we all know, the Bible clearly states that "God helps those who help themselves." Right? It has to be in there. I've heard it a brazillion times. It's true. It's in Scripture. It's a rule!
Actually, no. It's not in Scripture. No where in Scripture. Not even in the front part that most of never read. That was a stupid statement. Cause it's not even in the back part, that most of us never read. Don't lie to me about your intense daily Bible reading!
However, it's been said and repeated so often, I would surmise that most ordinary folks walking the street are pretty sure that God helps those who help themselves and it's somewhere in the Bible. Maybe, it's in Hezekiah.
I'm not sure "Pet Peeve" is a strong enough term. But recently, I've had to deal with a couple of "other" truisms which make me want to throw myself from an 80 Story building and catch my eye-lid on a rusty nail.
Have any of my tens of readers ever heard that wise saying that "The Customer is ALWAYS right?"
I have no idea who deserves the credit for formulating this long held belief. I do know a couple of things: 1) He was obviously a customer! 2) He was absolutely full of meadow muffins!
I am not going to take the time to enumerate the dozens of reasons why the above statement is simply not true. If you happen to fall into the category of believing it is, you would not understand them anyway and nothing I can say will change your mind.
But know this: Nine times out of ten, the customer has no expertise, no knowledge, nor experience with the product or service he is buying. To suggest that he is "always right" is nothing short of preposterous! Whew! I feel better having gotten that off my chest!
The nonsense above, however, pales in comparison to the oft cited "There's no such thing as a dumb question!"
Uh, excuse me! Oh, yes there is! There is such a thing as a dumb question and I've been on the receiving end of thousands of them!
Oh, I get it. I really do. In the classroom, questions are encouraged. No one should be left behind. Nor they should they be afraid to ask a question if they are truly lost. But, my experience suggests that "being lost" is seldom the reason for asking a question.
Being stupid is! And couple that with an insatiable need for attention in a setting like.....maybe a Bible Study.....and some genius is bound to ask a dumb question! It generally starts with two words: "WHAT IF......?"
The dreaded hypothetical question. Are you kidding me? Are you really about to bring this whole study, discussion, class, or whatever to a grinding halt by asking an ignorant hypothetical question? It's obvious that you are. And it's obvious that you haven't read my post about it being better to look stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!
Very few of my tens of readers have ever been in a class I've taught. I wish you could see the eyes of the attendees when I announce at the beginning of class that, "BTW, when I'm teaching, there is such a thing as a dumb question!" It can certainly be off-putting. But it sure makes things easier for me. And almost always insures that I'm never asked again. That, too, is a good thing.
The hypothetical question does have its place. I am saddened that no one posed a hypothetical question when President Kennedy and those MORONS advising him were planning the Bay of Pigs. Certainly, President Carter could have used a hypothetical when they were planning to free the hostages and that tragedy happened in the desert. The "Devil's Advocate" is necessary in strategic planning. I see that. Lives can be saved.
But for the most part, the hypothetical question in a study or discussion is pure discussion/study Anthrax! And I often find myself wishing I could sniff it, snort it, drink it, inject it....or however Anthrax is supposed to be ingested.
Mark Twain is credited with saying, "No generalization is worth a d##n, including this one." Think about it. It will take time for some of you to get it. But, it's my blog. It's my crazy thoughts. I feel a sense of ease just knowing I've said it.
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