Do You React Or Respond?

Every once in a while, I come across a situation where I am really tempted to lash out or react in a way that does not represent my Christian faith very well. If you are never tempted in this way, then I admire you! For the rest of you who face the same temptation, let me continue with a most recent example.

Too Busy!

After some employee turnover a couple of weeks ago, my workload has dramatically increased. It was especially bad for the first week while I spent hours on the phone and computer with vendors and manufacturer reps getting updated on our status. Unfortunately, during this time, I was not very good about returning phone calls.

To be more specific, I only returned those calls from vendors we we already had a relationship with. That means I did not return calls to those who were soliciting our business. I am not saying I was right, but I felt I had to draw the line somewhere or I would never get home.

One vendor in particular had left three or four messages for me over a three day period. He had also sent four or five emails. I did not pay much attention to this, but it did stick out as more aggressive than the rest.

Trouble Shows Up!

As I finally got caught up, I began responding to these calls and emails. With this one particular vendor, I simply replied to his email, “Please remove me from your distribution list.” It seemed innocent enough at the time, but I apparently caught him at a bad moment.

His email back was shocking to me. It was extremely sarcastic and demeaning to me. I could not believe he had reacted in that way. My first thought was to react and to lash back out at him, explaining how his immature email had ensured I would never consider doing business with him.

How To React?

As my mind raced with various ways I could unleash my own sarcasm (a curse, not a gift!), I hesitated. Maybe it was because I could not choose from the multiple ideas rushing to mind. Hopefully, it was my conscience causing the pause.

Either way, I realized my desire to react with a similar email would only incite him further. It certainly would not convince him that I was right and he was miserably wrong. And worst of all, what if he happened to click on the link to this blog at the bottom?!?!? What kind of witness would that be?

Better To Respond

As a result of my hesitation, I took my time and carefully worded a response. I apologized for wasting his time by forcing him to make repeated, unanswered calls. I asked him to forgive my rudeness. I then told him I was simply not interested and that I hoped he could respect that.

I don’t know if anything more will ever come from this interaction, but I feel much better that I decided not to react. However, the more I think about what caused this exchange to flare up in the first place, the more I realize that I am to blame.

Higher Standard

Regardless of my busyness, I should not have allowed multiple calls to go by without response. While I was certainly busy, I could have found an additional two minutes to professionally decline interest in his product.

Folks, most people would not fault me for ignoring these calls for a period. Most people would say the same about handling telemarketing calls at home during dinner (more confession necessary here!).

The problem is that we are called as Christ followers to a higher standard than most people think is necessary. We are called to walk the second mile (Matthew 5:41), turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), and to love our enemies (Luke 6:35). Until we embrace this calling, our witness is limited.

Have you been tempted to react in this way?

Did you choose to react or pause to respond?

What were the results?