I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to say "No".
Especially requests from friends or the church. For example I own the only pick-up in the neighborhood and neighbors (who are also my friends) will occasionally ask to use it. I'm very picky about my truck and so usually not only lend it, but drive and help load it. Really what I would like to say is "If I say "No" will you still be my friend". I know pathetic. Also I belong to a men's group at church (which is great) but sometimes they want help doing things I really don't want to do. I'm tempted but reluctant to make up little white lies, but that really doesn't sit well with my concision. How do you say No?
I'm not seeing anything here that suggests you are being taken advantage of. I guess it would greatly depend on the meaning of "occasionally".
Couple times a year? Or every week?
I'm also concerned because you say you are picky about your truck.
Everything I'm about to say, hinges on the idea, that you are not being taken advantage of. I'm assuming that every once in a blue moon, they are asking for help, not every Thursday, and I'm also assuming they are not going joy rides, or littering up your truck, or being careless and damaging it.
So, quick little story... Story time, alright?
I found, and bought, a mint condition, only 60,000 miles, 1982 Buick Rivera. Perfect condition, no rips or tears, not a scratch on the paint. Great car. It didn't roar, it purr'd down the road. It didn't drive, it floated down the highway. Still had the glowing Rivera logo on each side of the car.
So I'm driving home from work at 1 AM. I see a car on the side of the interstate with their blinkers on, and the hood up. I pull off in front, and ask whats going on. A tall black man says they need oil. No problem, get in my 1982 mint Buick Rivera, and drive on down the road to a quickie-mart, and pick up 3 quarts our oil.
I drive then down to the next exit, so I can loop back to where the car is on the interstate. It's about 2 AM now. Guy walks back to his car, and in the rear view mirror I can see two guys dumping in the oil without checking, and then just tossing the bottles off the side of the road.
No dice. The Crown Vic is Found On the Road Dead.
I walk back to the two guys, who explain to me the car won't start... as if I couldn't hear them trying and failing to start it. I can see there are a couple of people still in the car. "Well, I guess I can drive you home for the night, and you can deal with the car tomorrow"
First they stare at each other, then at me. "uh ok... sure.". That's when they all start piling out of their FORD, two adult men, two adult and heavy women, and two children.... and then they piled into my Buick 82 Rivera. They smelled... or something smelled. The air ride pump kicks on, and runs for 2 minutes straight.
15 minutes later, I can hear the tail pipe hit the speed bump of a condo parking lot, from all the weight in the back of the car. The guy who apparently won the rock-paper-scissors to sit in the front seat (3 people and two children in the back), asked "why are you doing this?"
"Because I believe the things I have, are not mine alone, but also the Lord's, and he wanted me to help you with my car tonight." Exactly what I said. I still remember it.
2 Corr 9:7 says:
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
It is my view that this verse applies to things like letting someone borrow your truck.
If you are not happy doing it, then don't. Do not do this reluctantly, like you are being compelled to do it.
G-d will help his people, and take care of the needs of his family. If you are not willing to be the means G-d uses to help his people, he will find someone else, or some other means to help his people.
G-d created the universe, he can find another truck to help his people with.
G-d will find someone else with a truck, that will be happy to help. Not reluctantly, and considering telling little white lies, to get out of it. And by the way, don't fool yourself into thinking that everyone won't realize you are lying to them. They will.
But that's my advice. If you don't want people borrowing your truck, then say no.