Have you ever been somewhere and a person has spoken to you
or acted towards you in a discourteous, disrespectful or inconsiderate way? Did
it make you feel mad, uncomfortable or belittled? If so why did it make you
feel that way? What did you think about how they spoke to you or acted towards
you? These questions relate to something which should be part of everyday life.
Common courtesy.
Why is being courteous important to us as people? The word
seems to have originated from the old French corteis and carried the meaning of being courtly, or acting in the
proper way in the royal court. Although you may not live in a royal court
setting, you do live as part of a society that needs common courtesy to
function properly. This may not be law but it is strongly
linked to morals, making it necessary for a civilised culture.
One of the most important courtesies that one person can
offer another is thankfulness. Have you ever notic
ed how that many around you today (adults and children included), simply do not know how to say ‘thank you’? People and things can be taken for granted, grown to be expected or even abused. An attitude of thankfulness is one that needs to be caught and learned. That means, as a child we all need someone to teach us to say thank you. However, as we grow up we all need to catch the culture of thankfulness.
The Home Stay website fact sheet for overseas students and
guests who are living in Australia highlights the following in regards to
Politeness:
“In Australia, particularly when living in a private home,
remember that a courteous and considerate attitude is always appreciated. It is
important to smile and say ‘please’ when you ask for something and ‘thank you’
when you receive it.”[1]
Yet, I wonder how many Aussies actually live their daily
lives from a place of thankfulness. What about you, is this kind of language
and culture part of your life? On this matter, Jesus spoke about what has been
called the ‘Golden Rule,’ in His Sermon on the Mount, spoken in response to how
to treat others (even your enemies),
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.
This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets” (Matt
7:12 NLT; cf. Lk 6:31).
Coming back to the opening question, “Have you ever been somewhere
and a person has spoken to you or acted towards you in a discourteous,
disrespectful or inconsiderate way?” Why is being courteous, respectful or
considerate important as a Christ-follower? Is this language part of your daily
life and a culture that you cultivate? How can you show common courtesy right
now, today, tomorrow and onwards?
[1] “Fact Sheet: Living in
Australia.” http://www.homestaynetwork.org/public/living-in-australia (10th November 2015).
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