Craig Clouston

 

Cold and Impersonal

September 15

Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

1John 3:13

Rich had made an honest mistake…he’d thought he had until midnight tonight to pay the past due balance on his utility bill. But he’d gotten his dates mixed up by one day. That mix-up had resulted in interrupted service for failure to make payment.

Now, trying to rectify the situation, he listened as the third service rep he’d spoken to explained the company’s new policy for the umpteenth time.

Rich’s heart rate steadily increased as he did his best not to take his frustration out on the woman on the other end of the line. “Look, I understand what you’re saying. But I’ve been a loyal customer for more than eight years. Doesn’t that count for something?”

“I do apologize,” she offered. “But this new policy won’t allow us to restore service until the entire past due amount is paid.”

Rich lost the battle with holding his frustration in check, “So what you’re saying is you don’t care how long I’ve helped keep you in business, you’re going to hold me hostage until you squeeze more money out of me!”

“I really do apologize,” she said, actually sounding sincere. “But that’s the new policy. Mistake or not, we cannot restore service until you pay the bill in full now.”

Hanging up in defeat, Rich audibly asked, “So, LORD, what am I supposed to learn from this lesson?”

In his spirit he thought he heard, “This is the way of the world. It is cold and impersonal. Your service to me has no bearing on how the world treats you.”

†

Although today’s scenario is not life or death, it is nonetheless exasperating for those who have experienced the frustration of finding themselves doing business with someone who is trained not to allow personal feelings to interfere with business. It is a representation of how the world operates today…cold and impersonal. We can no longer expect cooperation where leniency may be justified.

Jesus said to those who follow Him, this is to be expected. So when it happens to you, and be assured it will, don’t be surprised.

Prayer

“Father, help me meet this kind of treatment with an attitude of grace. Help me see and deal with the world in light of eternity. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”