Current Events Monday: Thinking Theologically about Gas Stations
Most Austinites know that the city and its sprawling suburbs continue to grow and expand at a staggering rate. In fact, Hays County was the second-fastest growing county in the state in 2020. Job growth is predicted to grow by a little over 53% by the end of the decade. The reality is that people are flocking to Central Texas.
You likely do not consider gas stations all that much until you must find one, but the sharp growth in the Austin metro has caused some rethinking among city planners and councils regarding where people find fuel. For instance, the City of Kyle is debating whether to put restrictions on the number of gas stations and car washes. Some leaders there think that Kyle has about ten gas stations too many for the population size. Others think that the excess in supply may be helpful as demand increases. You can read the story here: City of Kyle may restrict new gas stations, car washes, storage facilities (kxan.com).
So, what does this all have to do with theology? Well, believe it or not, the way we think about God impacts even the most mundane (to us) issues and decisions. It is unlikely that you consciously give much thought to gas station surpluses in your town, but the fact that our population numbers are growing by leaps and bounds ought to give us Christians some pause. For example, if city leaders are talking about gas stations, why aren’t we talking about churches? Could it be that God is sending hundreds of thousands of people to Texas on purpose? How may we think and act strategically knowing that the nations are basically coming to us?
The next time you fill-up your tank, give some thought to the spiritual needs of your new neighbors. They need the type of fuel that never goes empty. Who among us is planning to welcome them and to show them Jesus?