A Higher Standard
We've all been frustrated. Bad customer service and bad driving are probably at the top of everyone's frustration list.
I recently placed an online order at a local restaurant. When I walked in, there was one lonely bag sitting on the shelf. It had my name and the description of my order printed on the receipt. I picked it up and went on my way. When I opened the bag, I discovered that it had been mislabeled. While I was fine eating what I received, I called to let them know about the mix up so it could be corrected before someone else ended up with the wrong items too. I was surprised when instead of hearing, Sorry for the mix-up, I heard... "Well, that's because you took the wrong bag!!" Thankfully, the thoughts that were going through my head at the time were not what came out of my mouth. I responded with something like... Sorry, I thought it was mine and just thought you might need to know. But that’s not at all what I wanted to say.
I'll admit that I've not always been as quick to extend that much grace when being scolded, but I seem to find it easier when I remember that I work for the church or if I'm wearing a Christian themed shirt at the time. I think about how my reaction should be when people know who I represent. There's a problem with that thought process though, because although my paycheck is issued by the church… I actually work for the Lord and if you’re a Christian… you do too.
We know that 1 Timothy and Titus set the standards for Deacons and Pastors and James says that Teachers will be judged strictly. But what about those that don’t hold these positions? What is expected of us?
I think wise King Solomon gives a pretty good indication in Proverbs 15 & 16. The chapters cover several different topics, but they begin by dealing with our reactions to others and choosing our words wisely.
When we break someone's spirit with our anger and lack of self-control, why would they want to hear anything else we have to say? Although it may not always be easy, remembering that as Christians we are all held to a higher standard and will be held accountable for our actions, will hopefully help keep us in check during those times of frustration.
My prayer this week is that I always remember who I represent, no matter where I am or what situation I'm in. It's the Jesus way.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. -Proverbs 15:1-4
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. -Proverbs 16:32
Phil Wickham - The Jesus Way
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