Weekly Devotions - Sowing Seeds of Faith

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“New Car Rudeness: An Object Lesson"

The bright red finish and the cardboard license plates were clear indicators that the car in the restaurant parking lot was new. The owner must have panicked when he saw me park right beside his new toy. Quickly he ran out, gave me a dirty look then moved his car and parked it again at an odd angle blocking three parking places.

The plot thickens at this point because the manager of the restaurant quietly asked the man to park his car correctly. He arrogantly replied: “I don’t want some jerk hitting my brand new car. Besides, your food is awful.” (Colorful language edited.) The manager smiled and offered to refund his money. The man continued his cursing, snatched the refund and left in a huff.

Unfortunately, the rude guy was accompanied by three young teenagers who were watching and giggling. When told to leave they crammed the rest of the ‘awful’ food in their mouths while laughing about the way their father tough-talked a restaurant manager and received a free meal.

Later the manager commented: “I don’t get upset when people are rude to me. It’s my job to deal with all kinds of customers. As a grandfather, however, I cringe to think what lesson the children received from their father’s intimidation tactics. They will likely learn to behave like their father.”

This is not an isolated incident.

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“Nasty Drivers, Irate Parents, a ‘National Problem” was the title of a recent article in USA Today Newspaper. A survey revealed the level of rudeness in this country has risen dramatically. Examples include: “Yapping away on a cell phone in public places, weaving in and out of traffic – at 60 mph. and obnoxious behavior by parents watching their children’s sporting events.”

There is a verse in Proverbs, which should make all of us stop and think. “Teach your children to choose the right path and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” (22:6) In other words, we as adults have great influence on our children’s behavior. Will our influence lead children on the right or the wrong path?

To the father: “what did you teach your children? Do you want them to act like you?”

· If you want to get anywhere in this world you do it by rudeness and intimidation?

· I now own a new car so everyone should treat me special?”

· Managers aren’t normal people with real feelings so talk to them accordingly?

God offers another way and we all need to be reminded from time to time:

Ø “Love is patient and kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Ø Jesus said: “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

Ø “But I (Jesus) say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

Ø “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

One reaction to this story would be to laugh at the rude guy with the new car and go on your merry way. Yet, how many times have you been rude when kindness could have been your godly witness? How often have you allowed others to be rude without saying anything? “We ought to be vigilantes for kindness and consideration,” says etiquette expert, Letitia Baldrige in USA Today.

Remember the kids who are sitting at another table whose eyes are upon you. What kind of object lesson will you provide for them to imitate: Kindness or Rudeness? “Teach your children to choose the right path and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”

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Last modified April 3, 2002.

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