Are basic manners (such as saying, “Please and “Thank you”) old-fashioned and a thing of the past? Why is it that adults have a hard time expressing appreciation for things they have been given?
Zig Ziglar (known as “America’s Motivator”) has some interesting thoughts:
“Of all the things a parent can teach a child, manners rates very close to the top of the “must teach” list. Number one, when a child is taught, from the time he or she can talk to say “thank you” you are teaching that child thankfulness. Number two, the insertion of the word “please” in a request changes the child from a demanding person to one who accepts the fact that when they ask a favor or make a request, the parent has no automatic obligation to respond favorably to that request. Response to “please” is much better than the “get this for me” demand type of approach. The child must be taught the idea that they must first serve before they can earn the right to command.”
Being kind, courteous, and grateful will never go out of style or become old-fashioned.
Let us strive to be gracious, respectful, and considerate of all with whom we come in contact. And may we always count our blessings-being grateful to our heavenly Father for His love and mercy.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).
“Give thank in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).
Bart Warren
S. Green St. church of Christ
Glasgow, KY