30 DAYS TO TAMING YOUR TONGUE DAY 19

DAY 19 THE RUDE TONGUE

“Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength, and luxuriates in the absence of self-respect” – Eric Hoffer

Rudeness is on the rise in our society and needs to be addressed in our personal lives since change begins on an individual lever. Rudeness stems from a heart of selfishness and the blatant disregard of the rights of others.

What has made us so rude? Is it the overbooked schedules, longer commuting times, demanding bosses, spoiled children, and the stress of daily living? Perhaps our lack of patience can be attributed to the modern convenience that allow us to do almost everything in mere seconds. Showing patience is a rare occurrence. Ill-mannered, discourteous communication has become standard practice. Even among God’s children.

Being rude to other is very denigrating to them and can spoil their entire day. Whatever happened to the Golden Rule? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” Luke 6:31. DO UNTO OTHERS? Why, we do not even have time to think about others! We are totally absorbed with our OWN AGENDAS. Just look around at all the cell phone users in public places.  Cell phone users seem to be totally oblivious to their annoying and offensive social misconduct.

What about the cashiers at the checkout stand who are so engages in their conversations with each other that they never offer a “hello” to you. THAT is so rude.

What if someone is rude to us? Should we just let it go? Is it biblical to address the situation or should we just grin and bear it? We should confront rudeness in a direct but non-offensive manner. It may not be necessary to tell a person “You are rude” However it is a good idea to let the, you are aware of her lack of graciousness at the moment. Sometimes a well phrased, caring question will do the trick.
Tough day, huh?” Of course, of you really feel that you have been mistreated, you should report the incident to someone in authority where possible.

Most importantly do not allow people to suck you into the vacuum of their negativity by matching their rudeness with rudeness.

Look at the following and see what you are guilty of:      

o  Using foul language in public

o  Making fun of someone’s appearance or physical handicap

o  Staring

o  Refusing to say hello when your customer approaches the desk/register

o  Piling you plate high with food at a party when other are waiting to serve themselves

o  Cutting into the line at the bank, supermarket, or other public places

o  Pointing out someone’s shortcoming or inadequacy

o  Name-calling

o  Calling someone fat

o  Being condescending

o  Changing the subject while someone is talking

o  Starting a side conversation with another person while socializing with a group

o  Slurping, smacking, sucking your teeth and making other annoying noises

o  Failing to speak to people in the hallways at work or church

o  Not saying “Good morning” or “Good Night” to family members

o  Snapping your fingers to get a food server’s attention

o  Yawning without covering your mouth

o  Not saying “please” when making a request of anyone

o  Not saying “excuse me” when you inconvenience someone

o  Putting callers on hold without asking for permission to do so

o  Transferring a caller to another extension without advance warning

o  Reaching across someone to pick up something

o  Switching the channel on the TV without acknowledging the desires of other viewers in the room

o  Yelling at your kids in public (regular discipline at home should negate this need)

o  Popping chewing gum

God’s people are patient, considerate, and kind. Remember that when you encounter a person whose actions beg you to respond in an ungodly way.

READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

PROVERBS 18:13      PROVERBS 30:32-33      1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-5      ISAIAH 35:8

1)              Has anyone ever accused you of being rude? If so, what did you do to merit their assessment? How would you have responded if someone had done the same to you?

2)             When the poor speak, they have to beg politely, but when the rich answer, they are rude. (Proverbs 18:23) Has this been your experience with the affluent or powerful people with who you have interacted? Have you ever been rude to someone less fortunate than you? Why?

3)             People act in a rude manner either because they think it is okay or they feel they can get away with it. While most of us will feel righteous indignation at being subjected to rude acts, we must practice confronting in God-honoring ways. Otherwise, our silence may only reinforce the behavior. The next time someone is rude to you in a public place, try the shame game by pointing out the rude behavior. Most people don’t want other to think badly of them. So this may work. (CAUTION!  In other one-on-one situations, please use wisdom in confronting rudeness. If the person looks unsavory or hostile, just grin and bear it. Better to be safe than sorry.