Reactions

It would be nice if every offer of help was received with gratitude, thankfulness, and an expression of appreciation.  Not only does this not happen normally, it is in the reality of big cities, actually very rare.  Great service is often demanded.  Many take kindness and respect for granted.  Some even get angry when they are not treated as they expect, even if the individual interacting with them doesn’t have a clue.
 
I stood in a phone store, waiting to get my new mobile working.  It seems something had failed.  As the technician struggled and I watched, a model of miscommunication unfolded.  Agitation simmered.  A new Japanese customer was struggling to get his new mobile phone working.  He expected a high level of service from the local store.  This was heightened by the fact that there were two service reps in the store and only two customers.  As circumstances unfold the service rep did not see, understand, or comprehend what was being asked for by this customer, he only knew the policy of the store.  In response to a plea from the new customer for help the only answer was a curt “read the book”.  When confronted with his anger and frustration, there was no interest in mending relationships, just a simple “this is store policy”. 
 
I wonder which side I am on most of the time.  I expect perfect service though I often miss the gifts I am offered.  I assume others will appreciate what I give, even if it is less than they need.  There are pleas for help resounding in your life and mine.  Even as we prepare to respond, remember the warning!  “Thunder rolls off the mountains like a mob huge and noisy—thunder of kingdoms in an uproar, nations assembling for war.  God-of-the-Angel-Armies is calling his army into battle formation.” (Isaiah 13.4)  Whatever we do it may not be appreciated; but it is our calling.
 
Be awake.  Be open and listening to the world around you, including the Spirit’s voice.  Be ready to act, even if it means going into battle.