My wife and I are planning on taking our tax refund this year to replace all of the windows in our home this spring. Unfortunately our current windows have broken seals and are extremely drafty and subsequently not energy efficient at all. Neither of us have ever been down the road of replacing windows so we have a LOT to learn. We are finding out that window replacement isn't like replacing a microwave or a toaster there are far more variables involved. This past Saturday, we had a representative from Home Depot come to our home to give us an estimate and tell us what we didn't know about windows. Needless to say we were less than pleased with how little this worker did to help us. He assumed we knew more than we did and didn't take us very serious as potential customers who were genuinely interested in purchasing windows. While the thought behind this blog post is a little underdeveloped, I can't help but wonder how similar learning about windows is for a pre-Christian to "shop" Christianity.
Here are a few observations:
Insider Language There are lots of different terms that are used to define the different parts of a window. As a person who doesn't sell or install windows, I found myself scratching my head to all of the terms that were thrown at me. I wonder if nonbelievers scratch their heads at how Christians talk. Do we use language that they understand?
Maintenance I've learned that all windows, no matter how expensive or durable they are, need some sort of maintenance. They need to be cleaned. The condensation needs to be wiped off. I never noticed this (could be one of the contributors to why we need to replace our windows). How many people view Christianity simply as a membership that is maintenance free. How many preChristians watch other Christians live their life that way? Rather it is obvious through Scripture that discipleship is crucial to the Christian faith
The Internet can be a good thing or a bad thing As I am prone to do, I have gone online to research which window is the best for the price. I have found through a variety of forums and reviews terrible testimonies to every type of window out there. I have also found conflicting praises of these same windows. I'm not sure how these windows could be the best that money can buy AND the biggest waste! I wonder how the variety of views and opinions prohibit a seeking person to be enlightened to the Truth.
The power of testimony Because there is so much conflicting information, and cut-throat consumerism surrounding windows we have found that the thing we trust the most is the testimony of friends and people we know who have been down this road before. We can feel our trust and confidence grow as we talk to someone we know who has learned from mistakes or good decisions that they have made in having their windows replaced. Because of this, we have a contractor or two that we plan on using. The same must be true for people checking Christianity out. There is probably nothing more important than relationship and testimony.
This pertains to your windows....I don't know if this exists in MN, but I've been told by many that you should have the Amish put in your windows. They are supposedly very knowledgeable, skilled and FAR more affordable than anyone else. The windows they install are also supposedly just as high of quality as any others.
Posted by: Jenn | March 17, 2009 at 08:39 AM