When people are rude

This past week, we heard about the Jet Blue Airline steward, Steve Slater, who blew up on a passenger who was giving him a hard time. As soon as this story hit the internet, tens of thousands of people responded, most of them applauding him for what he did. I don’t condone what Steve did. In Proverbs 12:16 we read, “A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame.” He is a professional and should be able to handle rude passengers without blowing up. I have heard since this incident that he has been under a lot of pressure with a very sick mother. So this rude passenger must have been the last straw for him and that is sad. What intrigues me though is the incredible support he has received from people all over America. It seems to have touched something in many people, especially those in the service industry. They are just plain tired of being treated disrespectfully and having to deal with rude people. Let’s make sure we are not part of this problem. Let’s make sure we go out of our way to show honor and respect to people who serve us, such as grocery store clerks, waitresses, repair men, and anyone we come in contact with. Let’s make the effort to address them by name and treat them as though they are valuable. Even if we are not happy with their service we should never yell at them or treat them disrespectfully. The Bible teaches that every man is made in the image of God and that God has crowned each of us with glory and honor. Let’s agree with God and treat people the same way God does.