Uncommen: In The Likeness Of MenExemplo

When No One Is Looking

I own my own business, so speaking with people about their projects is something we do every day. When we first meet with someone, I let them know that we are interviewing you as much as you are interviewing us. That we speak clearly and honestly about our services and suggestions. Even to the point of suggesting something that is in their best interest instead of our own. 

I believe that God wants the best for me and my business as well as for me to reflect Him in all we do. So looking out for people has become second nature to our team. I try to apply this same mentality to my everyday life as I want to reflect Christ in my personal life as well. The strange thing is, it’s just as unusual in the every day as in the business day, and that is a sad fact. 

We were at a restaurant recently and getting ready to check out. We had a coupon that was going to reduce the bill by $5.00. The young lady had made a big mistake on our bill, and instead of being $5.00 off the entire order, the bill was going to be about $5.00 for the four of us to eat. The transaction was to be entirely handled by the table side kiosk, meaning we didn't have to correct this with the waitress. We could have paid the $5.00 and scooted out without anyone knowing.

I took this opportunity to reflect Jesus to my family and called the waitress over. I explained what had happened on the bill and she thankfully adjusted it. The manager came over and thanked us as well. No additional coupons, no free drinks to go…just a sincere thank you. There were three reasons I did this.

1 — If I’m going to reflect Christ, it needs to be ALL THE TIME. Not just when someone is looking.

2 — I wanted to make this a teachable moment for my sons (21 and 18). I know they know this already, but it's always essential to pour into my sons, again and again, the teachings of Christ Jesus.

3 — If this were my business, I would want someone to handle this situation the same way.

Uncommen Questions:

• Have you ever been in this kind of situation? 
• If so, why did you behave the way you did?
• Do you think you reflected Jesus in your actions?
• How can you handle it differently next time if you didn't?

Scripture References: Philippians 2:4-5, Mark 10:45