Philippians 4:9
You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a young mother hit her 14-month-old toddler across the face with her open hand while flying from Dallas, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A flight attendant removed the child from her seat and carried her to the back of the plane. Upon landing, police were summoned, and the parents were interviewed. The incident was deemed “isolated,” and the child was returned to the parents; however, the police said the flight attendant acted properly.
People are watching! I feel like I have to remind us of this from time to time. This is a great illustration of both sides of the coin. On one hand, people saw an adult mistreat a child. The mother said the child kicked her, and she “popped her.” You may think that is acceptable. But many, including the flight attendant who removed the child, did not. Some may feel the flight attendant should have minded her own business. But clearly this was not the opinion of the police or Southwest Airlines.
My point is this … from time to time, we are all the frustrated mother who “pops” a child. We act inappropriately – or at best, impulsively – and do something that we may regret later … gossip, speak unkindly, lie, cheat, steal, exceed the speed limit, and much more. On the other hand, there are often opportunities for us to be the “flight attendant” and step in to challenge something we feel is inappropriate. Yet we frequently sit idly by and say or do nothing.
We can tell someone sharing gossip that “I don’t need to hear this,” or we can offer a kind smile and a helping hand to someone acting out in frustration. We can drive defensively – without talking on our cell phones or texting. We can hand back that extra dollar the cashier gave us by mistake and treat the “nerd” at school with kindness and a friendly smile. We can encourage those who are participating in sinful behavior to act differently by simply modeling “right” behavior ourselves. Again, people are watching!
We fail to recognize the power and peace of following God … listening to His voice and the teachings of Jesus Christ … and doing what is right. We don’t trust in Him to give us peace and comfort … and we don’t comprehend the power of our example for others. We can make a difference for the Kingdom of God by simply living quiet lives of service, joy, and peace in Christ. The flight attendant didn’t berate the mother … she quietly removed the child and took her to the back of the plane, where she comforted her.
We can be like the flight attendant. We can diffuse situations by quietly acting as a calm, peaceful servant of Christ. Others will notice … it will matter … and God will flood us with peace and joy in the bargain. Are you willing to lead by example?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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