"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

I saw this quote on the back of a cab recently and it made me start thinking. Why would a cab company put this quote on their cabs? Then it hit me. Can you imagine the treatment cab drivers get from most clients? I suppose they all think that they are the most important people in the city and that their agenda is the most important thing that driver will encounter that day. I am sure many of them treat the driver as their personal servant for the duration of their drive. I guess the slogan is an attempt to remind them that being nice is truly important to creating a positive experience.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are expected by God to exemplify in growing measure certain characteristics of His. This family resemblance is in stark contrast to what people are accustomed to seeing. Some of these qualities include: love, peace, joy, goodness, gentleness, kindness, patience, faithfulness, self - control, generosity, mercy, forgiveness, and humility. These are some of the core values of our new spiritual family (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit). In fact, these qualities flow like a river into the souls of believers and out to the world as a beacon light …if we so choose. (Philippians 2 and Galatians 5, Ephesians 5, 2 Peter 2, and 1John4)

We, and our children, are bombarded constantly with a culture that glorifies pride, which is at its root simply an exaggerated sense of personal importance. If we buy into this cultural pursuit, it will surely undermine our fellowship with God and undercut every good thing in our lives. It is so important that we train our children through role modeling and through explanation to think of ourselves truthfully(Romans 12:3) and realize that we are no more important than anyone else. In fact, we will most resemble Christ if we take on the qualities of humility, love, forgiveness, service, and patience. We are surrounded by people who are clamoring to exalt themselves over others by any means possible whether it be by physical fighting or by undercutting them with gossip and betrayal campaigns operated behind the backs of others. The level of disrespect that some exhibit is truly shocking. It is in a time like this that we need to explain to our children that being Christlike is far better than being first. Helping others is far better than demanding that others serve our needs. Taking time to lift up the downtrodden is to be preferred over gaining popularity by joining in the bullying. Being kind and gracious is better than being dangerous. Merciful forgiveness is better than revenge. Being a generous giver is better than being a crafty taker. Treating others with respect and dignity, especially siblings, is always better than making others feel bad. Kind words of encouragement outweigh cutting words of insult.  Respectful communication is better than angry, profane screaming. Good manners are always appreciated.

It is crucial that we embrace these concepts ourselves and teach them to our children. We can’t simply assume that it will all work out ok on its own or that it's not a big deal. Between peer pressure and cultural pressure our children desperately need for us, their parents, to offer guidance on how they should conduct themselves! It is a challenge that we must embrace and seek God’s guidance on this all important parenting need! Don't trust the world to shape your child's character! That's the role of parents!