Issue 070
“The answer is, it can’t be done.” Now what’s the question? There’s supposed to be a trend in UK business, away from manufacturing towards service industries, yet ask anyone about their bank, their shopping experiences, their car insurance, or a whole host of other commercial transactions and out will come the horror stories: late deliveries, unreturned calls, mistakes and awkward staff characterise the horror plot. Come 4.30, 5.30 or maybe 6 “we’re closed sir and there’s nothing we can do till the morning”, or more, usually “please chose from the following 4 options…..” Sometimes it’s possible to get the impression that there are no satisfied customers left.
From the other side of the counter or call centre, it must be deeply dissatisfying for the employee who can’t or won’t deliver. It can’t be pleasant to disappoint and frustrate on a regular basis.
At the heart of Jesus’ thinking there’s an irony. It’s found in phrases like second mile, other cheek, and give your tunic as well. Surprise others, he’s saying, by going beyond their expectations or demands. He even implies that we should waive our rights or privileges in order to deliver a service- but that’s not the irony – meaning that the customer, colleague, manager or anyone else who comes into contact with you will go away satisfied (or at least surprised). But that’s not the irony either; the real irony is that in putting ourselves out we end up becoming more satisfied. Like everything else that Jesus prescribes, it’s good for us. Exceeding expectations of others costs us but is also rewards.
Loosing life means gaining it. That is what Jesus Christ calls real service.
Mark 8:34 -36
34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his lifewill lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Matt 5:38-42
38″You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someonestrikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
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Geoff Shattock
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