"Good Manners"

I hate that rude behavior,

As Captain Call would say,

So do us all a favor,

And rein it in, okay.

‘Cause the loss of manners,

Is hard to tolerate,

And being civil matters,

So let’s just get this straight,

Doing unto others,

What you expect from them,

If I have my druthers,

From every her and him,

Respect and plain politeness,

Goes a long, long way,

And is the only rightness,

With what we do and say.

Let’s go back to please and thanks a lot,

Yes ma’am and no ma’am, too,

Show your patience, all you’ve got,

When people frustrate you.

With a lady on the sidewalk,

Always walk streetside,

Open doors and never balk,                                                     

Good manners slows your stride.

Stand when elders enter in,

Say hello, remove your hat,

And if the place is crowded,

Let ‘em sit where you just sat.

Give a manly handshake,

Look folks in the eye,

Show kindness for the Lord’s sake,

Give your kerchief if they cry.

Help all the defenseless,

Thank the one that no one sees,

The bullies mean and senseless,

Never try to please.

And not for your own glory,

But for God and what is right,

Every hero’s story,

Is the one not scared to fight.

So keep on with good manners,

Don’t let the rude ones win,

The Golden Rule’s our banner,

The way it’s always been.

“In everything, therefore, treat people the way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, NAS)

Known as the “golden rule,” these words from Jesus sum up everything that was taught from God’s Law and the writings of God’s prophets. That is saying a lot! If we do this we will fulfill the ten commandments. We will also do everything God says through His greatest spokesmen. Still, it’s a challenge to live this way, and no one can do it unless empowered by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit controls our speech and behavior, civility and compassion will dominate all our interactions with others. What an impact this could and should be in our world. Lord, help us do it.

Lord, help us treat others the way we hope to be treated, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Alfredo Rodriguez, used by permission. Thanks, Alfredo, and God bless you.