Christian Living

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The partially filled shopping cart was parked in the express lane at the grocery store. No one seemed to know who was the “owner” of this cart but since it was an express lane, everyone walked around the cart and moved ahead in the line. It just so happened that as I was moving in front of the cart that the owner barged into the line. “My purchases are just as important as yours.” Anger emanated from her eyes and it was quite obvious that the shopper was planning on keeping her place in line. Whether or not the cart had been attended, she had precedence over anyone else in line.

I quietly relinquished my place to her and let the obnoxious lady move ahead. She haphazardly placed her items on the conveyor belt. She lashed out at the cashier as her items were placed in a bag, and she showed agitation at not getting checked in a timely fashion. She grabbed the packages and left the store in somewhat of a tizzy. I watched and noticed that her tirade was not just directed against me. Everyone who was any place near her had gotten a taste of her true personality.

When I finally made my way to the cashier she apologized for the attitude of the shopper. I realize that everyone has his own disappointments and bad days but there is no reason to take your frustration out on others. This lady gave no one the chance to even talk to her. She chose to take her frustration and anger with her everywhere she went. No one knows how many people she literally bulldozed over. She left a lasting impression on many people she met that day, an impression that was demanding and focused only on her needs.

Another incident in a different grocery store showed a similar lack of sensitivity towards others. An elderly lady had gone into a store where you bag your own groceries. If you brought in your own bag with the store logo you would save five cents. Everything was fine throughout the whole shopping experience except for the time at the cash register. The cashier explained that the bag brought into the store was not from the same grocery store and didn’t qualify for the five cents discount.

The shopper was adamant that she was right and the battle for five cents began. Nothing could convince the shopper that she was wrong and in the end management decided to give her five cents just to keep peace in the store. No one could reason with the shopper and although she actually got what she wanted she reacted in anger rather than show kindness to an employee who was simply doing her job.

Being a Christian means that every place we go we need to let others see Christ in our life. Others watch our lives and make inferences about Christianity based on our behavior. In the first case above I don’t know if the person was a Christian or not but in the second case the woman professes to be a Christian.

According to I Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) we are told that “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, [and] thinks no evil”. Proverbs 19:22A(KJV) states that “What is desired in a man is kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 (KJV) describes the virtuous wife as a lady who “opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness”.

This simple act of kindness goes a long way in helping us to become more like Christ. For several years we lived in a large city and everyone was busy keeping up with the fast pace of rushing from point to point without slowing down. It was easy to forget kindness simply because everyone else was doing the same thing. Errands and tasks to be done were handled like a check list with so many things projected for one day. When we moved to the area where we currently live I almost ran over anyone who got in my way. My tolerance for others was tested and I was easily agitated at people who seemed to have all the time in the world to get somewhere. It took me quite some time to slow down and realize that the people here did have the right attitude.

If I slow down and take time to look around, I can see things in a different light. Rather than being abrupt or rushing about without any consideration I am more patient and take time to express a word of thankfulness along my way. I want to be sensitive to others who may be facing a difficult time. I want others to see Christ in me. If I am intolerant or unkind, someone may see my actions and question whether or not I am a Christian.

The fruit of the spirit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22 KJV). Three of the fruits of the spirit are ones that could easily apply to the shoppers in the grocery store. Being longsuffering or tolerant of someone else is a Christian trait. Kindness and self-control are mentioned and both of these traits seem to go together. If we show kindness to others we will be able to have control over our emotions.

Rather than react to unexpected problems or minor inconveniences with anger or frustration, I need to take the time to think before I act. I need to take a few minutes to slow down and show a small act of kindness or speak a kind word to someone. It will help someone who just needs a word of encouragement and needs to feel appreciated realize that others care. It will make my day a little brighter. I challenge you to do the same.

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