While Shannan and I were in Detroit recently we visited The Henry Ford, which is a museum, a historical village, a Ford factory tour and more. At the Ford factory tour we saw this vehicle, a 1931 Model A. It was the twenty millionth Ford produced.
A 1931 Model A -- The Twenty Millionth Ford made
For just a moment put aside your car preference and consider the impact of one man's idea -- to make an affordable car for the masses.
Ford didn't invent the automobile, but as Paul Ingrassia notes in Engines of Change (a fascinating book) he created a people's car, invented automotive mass production, and launched the $5-a-day wage in 1914, which led to mass prosperity. Ingrassia said,
"Henry Ford unleashed enough creativity for two or three lifetimes."[1]
Ford illustrates the power of an idea, a God-given creative power that you and I possess. Why? Because we are made in the image of God, the greatest Creator. In Genesis we are told:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:27-28 ESV
When you hop into your car today, stop and consider the impact of Henry Ford's idea. It has shaped our country and our world. Sure, you have to pay a hefty price for a gallon of gas, the freeway is congested, and there are ancillary environmental concerns, but the automobile eases life, it takes you places you would otherwise never go, and it has spawned industry and jobs galore.
That's the power of an idea.
Today, give God praise for creating you with creative power. May you boldly unleash ideas--big and small--for the glory of the One who created you.
Got an idea?
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[1] Paul Ingrassia. Engines Of Change: A History of the American Dream In Fifteen Cars. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2012, page 13.
Don't Ask The Fish? That's a funny name. Where did it come from? Click here to find out more.