[279 words]
During my first public job as a teenager, I demonstrated more immaturity than I care to talk about. I was trying to be funny in front of a customer. I wanted to be an “attention getter” with my comments, she stopped writing her check looked at me and said, “Allen, you can tell a lot about a person by what they laugh about!” Needless to say, her terse response rightfully put me in the place I needed to be. The customer’s redirection was justified AND needed!
As an adult, I, like most, have struggled with how I react when frustrated. Intentions are always good but they don’t always come across correctly when trying to get my point across. During this chapter of my life, a wise man once shared with me, “Allen, you can tell a lot about someone by what makes them frustrated, mad, or aggravated!” Here again, tons of wisdom contained in a sentence.
These are extremes from opposite ends but serve as a reminder of what a Christian’s attitude should be. When talking, interacting, or redirecting a others, a Christian’s attitude should be:
Proactive. Matthew 5:16 says Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Confident. Psalm 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Humble. Luke 9:48 says Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”
Our words reflect our attitude. When we throw out words, let’s ask, “Is our attitude worth catching?”
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY