Good Examples

Are workers and businesses doing a worse job than before, or are people just complaining more? Almost every day that I read the news (and I try to keep up on things almost daily) it seems there is something about a rude comment on a receipt, or something disgusting someone found in their food. I know that I have found it common to have things break down much quicker than they used to (and as I get older I tend to take better care of things than I used to!), as well as seeing poor workmanship in almost every business I encounter. People with integrity are hard to find today.

It is probably impossible to determine whether it is the worker or the consumer (though it is probably both), but it does make us want to think about what we are doing. Let us leave the worker and business alone and just consider what it means to be a consumer. As a consumer, we are going out looking for products that suit our needs that will properly provide what we need at an affordable price. When that does not happen, what is the right way to respond? Scream and yell? Put up a notice on Facebook so that 5000 people will feel sorry for us?

It is true that we have a responsibility to warn others when a business is doing something wrong so that people can avoid being harmed by their bad practices. Yet, the common behavior seems to be for people to enjoy tearing others down. Even strong criticism can be said in a way that is constructive and not destructive (and, if you cannot do this, then it is better not to say anything at all).

The example we give to others should reflect our faith to the fullest. Whether we are the worker or the customer, let us make sure to the best of our ability (without ever compromising the truth) that when people think about us after seeing us that they do not remember us only as angry hypocrites. We have enough of them in the world. Let us stand out as faithful and holy.