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“Perhaps we need an ultimatum on society.”

A thought by Max Lucado from his book, How Happiness Happens (p. 62). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Ok, so what do we need and ultimatum on?  What is it?

Max says, “Oh, the ‘rages’ that rage through people: road rage, airline passenger rage, cell phone rage, checkout rage, social media rage, sideline rage, parking lot rage, car alarm rage, and even rage from drivers who honk at people on crutches.”

He goes on, “Social media takes rage to a new level. The online banter blisters and bruises. Words we might never say to a person’s face, we feel safe to post on the internet. Rudeness has reached the point where we can all relate to the sign I saw in a medical lab: ‘If you are grouchy, rude, impatient, or inconsiderate, there will be a $10 charge just for putting up with you.’

“Yes, a tariff on tackiness has its appeal. A more practical response might be the one suggested by the apostle Paul: ‘Greet one another with a holy kiss’ (Rom. 16:16).

“Paul gave identical instructions to other churches. Twice to the Corinthians: ‘Give each other a holy kiss when you meet’ (1 Cor. 16:20 NCV), and ‘Greet each other with a holy kiss’ (2 Cor. 13:12 NCV). Then to the Thessalonians: ‘Give each other a holy kiss when you meet’ (1 Thess. 5:26 NCV).

 “Peter flew the friendliness flag as well. ‘Greet one another with a kiss of love’ (1 Peter 5:14).”

Max continues, “Why the big deal? Why should we be careful to greet one another?

Well, he says, “Greet one another for your own sake.  Experience the joy of showing people they matter.

“Greet each other for their own sake.  What is small to you may be huge to them.

“Most of all, greet one another for Jesus's sake.”

Later Max says, “By the way, the greatest greeting in history has yet to be given. And you can be certain that salutation won’t be heard over a phone or through an email. The greatest of greetings will be issued by Jesus to you in person.  ‘You did well.  You are a good and loyal servant.  Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things.  Come and share my joy with me.’ (Matt. 25:23 NCV)”

I think Jesus is serious about how we greet each other.  Now in our society, a kiss may not be the way we do it but greeting others in some way is so very important. 

My wife for a period of time was responsible for over 100 people and she tried to go around every morning to greet each one of them.  By doing that she showed them that they mattered, that they were important to her and to the company they worked for.

You see, don’t you, that when you reach out and greet people even if it is just a smile you are doing it for their sake, your sake, and Christ’s sake?  It matters, doesn’t it? 

Yes, yes
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