The title says it all. Why are people so rude these days? They seem to have little care for others or their property. I was on the plane. I had a very large backpack and a very large computer case and unfortunately neither would fit under the seat in front of me. So I put them in the overhead storage. Now the computer case was so large that it had to go at an angle. I was not thrilled, but what was I going to do at this point. I have already made the decision not to take that computer and am contemplating buying a new laptop on top of the laptop I just purchased. If I were driving the larger one would be great, but I am not.
Anyway, here comes this guy who decides he is going to cram his bag on top of my computer case. He has to really shove it in there to get it to fit. I looked up at him and was wondering if that was my bag and sure enough it was. How did I know because when we deplaned I noticed the bag and how hard mine was to get out.
Normally I would have said something while he was trying to cram it up in in there, but decide not too. Not because the Lord was telling me not to, but because I did not want to get thrown off the plane since the airline stewards are super touchy these days and have the absolute authority to throw you off the plane. I wanted to get home to see my family since I had been gone for 2 weeks so I kept my mouth shut.
When I was able, I checked both the laptop that was in the case as well as the tablet, but then it hit me. Why did this person have to cram such a small bag up into that space when there really was no space. The only reason I can see is that this person like so many others do not care what happens to your stuff as long as theirs is ok. The bag this person had could have easily fit under the seat and really would not have been in his or anyone’s way.
I have seen it with others items as well. A person puts a bag up in the storage and here comes a person who tries to jam something that really will not fit into the tiny space that is left. Yes they usually get it to go, but at what cost? Why not be courteous to others? The reason is because they like so many others think they are entitled to that space and they think they are super special and can do as they please.
Now we who feel that you are no more important than anyone else and you are not entitled will tell you so. However, instead of the person that started the incident by potentially being destructive to property in question is not the one that gets into trouble. It is the person who said something to them like excuse me, what are you doing there is a bag already in that spot and I would really appreciate it if you would not potentially destroy what is in the bag.
So what does the Lord say about such matters?
Matthew 18:15-17 New International Version (NIV)
Dealing With Sin in the Church
15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
But our society frowns when we tell someone they have wronged me or they have done something wrong in general. For example, there is a day care near me that instead of saying no or that is wrong to young children they will say that is not a good choice friend. As an adult it is your responsibility to teach others, especially the young, when they do something wrong. If you do not society eventually will and the Lord I believe most definitely will. However, we have it in our heads that telling someone no or they are wrong is bad.
I work in an industry where I tell people all the time that what they did does not meet the regulatory requirements nor the industry practices of today. If I just said that is not a good choice friend I would be doing them no service and potentially allowing harmful products to be shipped that could potentially kill.
Talking to someone that has wronged you or is doing something wrong should not be frowned upon in our society but encouraged. Maybe if everyone were not treated as though they were the next best thing since the sliced bread our country would not be in the mess it is in today with over 1.5 million in prison. Maybe more people would turn towards the Lord instead of running away. Maybe, just maybe the politicians we have would care more about the people of the country than the businesses and how much money can they get. Maybe businesses would be sensitive to the needs of the employees and customers versus their profits. Maybe people would get along instead of trying to harm one another. Do I know for a fact this would happen? NO, but as long as we are quiet, then how will things change?
I pray that the Lords opens your heart to hear, understand, and use his words to help yourself and those around you. Do not be afraid of confrontation and there is a right way and wrong way to handle it. Most of the time I handle it the wrong way since I am a direct blunt person or I am super passive aggressive that cause you to make the first move. Pray for me that I will be able to talk to those people who have wronged me in such a way as they know they have been talked too, but are not upset by the conversation.
God bless you and have a great day.