December 18, 2006

Working in retail as I do, I could venture to say that the real reputations of people are evident in their shopping habits. For the past five years I have had the opportunity to come in contact with every variation of the “typical” customer--from the carefree browser to the demanding pain, many true identities have been revealed.

On more than one occasion, I have dealt with fellow Apostolic believers and I am immediately confused. How can the same people I worship with display an attitude that can only be described as downright rude? At times like these I am embarrassed to be lumped into the Apostolic circle with others who seem anything but.

My embarrassment continues when I then have to explain such ridiculous behaviors to my coworkers and how “…we’re not all that rude!” It’s hard to witness when others’ actions speak decidedly louder than my words. To be honest, if a legitimate study was done, it would not surprise me if at least 75% of disgruntled customers were of the Apostolic faith.

I once confronted a believer who was not aware that I knew of her and told her she looked familiar and then proceeded to ask what local church she attended. When she finally realized who I was, the look on her face was so ashamed that she couldn’t get her words out without stuttering. She immediately grabbed her bags and rushed out without looking back. I hope she checked her attitude at the door from then on out.

I guess I would not be so passionate about this issue if I only encountered a few fellow brothers and sisters having a rough day, but this is not the case. Several friends of mine, who are also Apostolic, have expressed the same concerns to me. A wise mentor once told me, “For every crime I have not committed, I have been dishonest with my neighbor, or been rude to another.”

So are these little subconscious substitutions in everyday life making up for the “big” sins we proclaim to avoid?  Peter wrote “ Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;” (I Peter 4:14).

I will admit overcoming the flesh everyday is a challenge, but through Christ we can overcome anything. It’s about time we take “courteous” off the back burner of our public interaction and warm our world with kindness.

© 2006, Rhea Liberty

Rhea Liberty attempts to be a witness at her retailer of choice in the St. Louis metropolitan area.