I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets tired of the constant barrage of telemarketers trying to sell me something.
I was so tired of it I put my number on the do not call list. There is something in me that despises anyone telling me what I need to buy. The minute I hear that way-too-polite voice sounding as if I'm the most important person in the world I balk at the insincerity.
Somehow they find the loopholes. One particular man has been calling regularly for the past couple of weeks. Sometimes twice a day. I've been polite, I've told him that my husband handles that area and if he would like to talk to him he is home in the evenings. I've told him over and over again.
This morning, bright and early just as I was beginning homeschool with my daughter, he called again. Asked for me. Told me that he was calling back to let me know about a deal I just couldn't miss out on. I interrupted the spiel.
"I've told you several times now that you would have to talk to my husband, and that he's home in the evenings." I scolded him in a tone that let him know I was fed up. He apologized in his most insincere voice and said that he would call back later.
"Bye." I said rather abruptly and hung up.
The nerve. I thought as I returned to teaching. Why doesn't he just get the hint? What do I have to say to make him stop calling?
That's when I started to feel guilty. Did I just treat that human being the way Christ would have? Isn't that my job as His ambassador?
Telemarketers may be annoying. But they are still people. They are doing the job they've been given to do and probably not enjoying it very much. Especially when people like me get on the line.
I'm convicted today. I must do better. I can't allow the most basic common courtesy to escape me, let alone the command to love each and every person that crosses my path. Because Jesus did no less. And I have no right to belittle someone for whom He died. What a wasted opportunity.
Jesus, forgive my lack of love this morning with the man on the phone. Help me to shine Your light into a dark world, no matter what personal inconvenience to me. Help me see people the way You do. Amen.
3 comments:
I don't know, Miranda ... Jesus had a temper when needed, too. When people weren't listening, He got their attention through absurd stories, name calling and even knocking over tables. You told the guy a number of times and he needed to listen. That aside --- I'm not trying to work in opposition of your conscience!! If you're conscience is telling you something, you need to listen. Next time he calls you could simply seize the opportunity. "You've got a deal for me? Well, I've got a deal for you, too - if you turn this down you'll regret it the rest of eternity!" Then share the Gospel with him. He'll either hang up on you or engage in conversation. It's a win-win situation. :)
Get caller ID and answering machine and don't answer the phone. If it's important they will leave a message or call back if you don't know who it is. I never answer the phone during the day unless I know who it is.
Yes, Tanya, I think you have a point, but Jesus had extremely good reasons for his temper. My anger wasn't righteous, it was selfish. And I think you have an excellent idea. Why not turn those situations into opportunities? Thanks for your thoughts, I'm always glad to hear them.
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