Because of the Games We Play with God, we’re digging into a new series this month to explore ways we can know God in the everyday of our lives. Today’s daily task? Answer the Phone!
How many times would you estimate you answer the phone in a day?
Let’s widen the circle and throw texts, Facebook messages, and emails into the category of “answering the phone.” After all, it’s communicating with someone. You might prefer to rationalize it’s different because you’re not using your voice, but actually, you are. Here are a couple guidelines I try to follow.
- If I am going to send a text, I respond only in a way I would respond face-to-face. I want the same boundaries of respect. Just because I can’t see the person doesn’t mean I should say something more offensive, less confrontational, or unloving in any way.
- If I’m going to post something on a social networking site (and not in a private message), I respond only in a way I would step onto my front porch and shout to the world. After all, that’s basically what I’m doing when I post something publicly-accessible online. (I suppose I could shout my blog posts from my front porch, but I doubt my neighbors would appreciate it much. There’s no “hide” or “unsubscribe” button in my neighborhood.
What’s your attitude when you answer the phone, send a text, reply to an email, or post on Facebook? Do your words match your attitude, and do both glorify God? As you talk with people today (in any format), consider how you’re living out the following verses.
Speaking the truth with love, we will grow up in every way into Christ, who is the head. (Ephesians 4:15)
Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? How can you say to your friend, “Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye”? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend’s eye. (Matthew 7:3-5)
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. (Ephesians 4:29)
Very timely post. Thanks for sharing! In my current job, I am on the phone and computer for 12 hours. Most of it is dealing with hospital staff and physicians, but occasionally a call will sneak through from the public, either someone looking for a patient, trying to cancel/reschedule an appointment (which is not part of what I do), or sometimes really off-the-wall stuff. I try to remember to respond with kind words, but every once in a while during really stressful, high-volume call days, I will snap. It’s not pretty. I place inspirational sayings and post-its in discreet places on my desk as continual reminders to “think before I speak.”
I should add, the “snapping” is usually at fellow hospital staff, not the unsuspecting public!
Thanks for your authenticity! And let me assure you, you’re not alone! Of course, by assuring each other we all don’t reflect God well isn’t an excuse for any of us…just an opportunity to encourage each other to continue to grow and yield to God as he guides! Keep me updated as God grows you, because I’m sure he will!!!