An Acceptable Attitude

There is something about the customer service industry and the consumer culture that thrives on something actually very positive.

A lot is invested in giving customer satisfaction through the quality of service offered. Professional and efficient, timely and courteous, the values are fairly well known from company to company. The delivery of these qualities on a consistent basis is what makes the difference. In as much as a cheery and bright attitude can be very helpful in the conversation, there is something even more appealing that can make a significant impact.

The challenge is, however, in as much as this ‘something’ is appealing, it is also very difficult to portray it on a consistent basis. It is tricky because it’s not a popular trait to have and it’s easy to misunderstand it and confuse for something else.

That which I’m talking about is the submissive attitude. It has negative connotations in certain areas because of its connection with oppressive and enslaving situations where victims in these circumstances have had to placate the oppressor with a seemingly submissive attitude. This is hugely unfortunate because one of the values of the Kingdom of God that makes it so counter-cultural and to a degree counter-intuitive is because it is based on humility and a submissive attitude.

Thankfully, however, the King of the Kingdom models this very attitude. He does not lord it over in an oppressive and brutal manner. On the contrary His example all the way through His earthly ministry was of that of a meek, lowly, humble and submissive servant. That means when we read about the life of Jesus, we are seeing the peak of the human condition as found in someone who is naturally submissive to the will of His Father.

Submitting to that is not oppressive or disabling. It is not the attitude of a person who has no mind of his own or isn’t aware of others. On the contrary this submissive attitude, which is infused with joy, is exactly the attitude that portrayed a father/son dynamic and understanding that could do a lot for a lot of other relational dynamics. The son submits to the father who is ever looking out for the best for his son. There’s a mutual giving in that relationship that acknowledges each other and fully invests love in the other.

We don’t have to wait for the conditions to make themselves clear from the other person to be able to display that attitude. We don’t have to wait, because we already have the instruction to do whatever we’re doing as though we’re doing it to God.  However mean, rude and dismissive the other is being, if we visualise that we’re doing it to the loving, gracious and merciful Father, our attitude can reach the degree of consistency expressed by the Son over time.

No, that’s not easy. I did point out that it’s counter-intuitive. As someone who has observed and at times been the recipient to some nasty, cruel and oppressive behaviour, I’m well aware of how easy it can be to act obedient, but have a resentful attitude underneath. The pain and hurt from another can leave one feeling scarred and embittered. When so many around you are encouraging you not to be a doormat and so go nowhere near that submissive attitude, it is more than understandable that it is not a popular trait to desire and exhibit.

This is why once again, the focus has to remain on Jesus. That’s why we have to pay attention to the offer He is extending to us. Coming to Him, learning of Him and becoming like Him will mean becoming meek, humble, lowly and submissive. That’s just how we’ll be. That won’t make sense to a world that demands and promotes self-gratification, but then that approach has never lead to real lasting peace. Whereas the Prince of Peace is defined by these qualities.

It’s an acceptable attitude to pursue – God help us.

(Photo by Sasha • Stories on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden