Are Christians in "Customer Service?"

I often eat at McDonalds for lunch. It is close to the office and it is cheap! I know many of the people who work there and often see customers I know as well. Being a naturally friendly person and always on the lookout for opportunities to share my faith, I speak to many people I encounter when I am at McDonalds.

Yesterday I noticed a new cashier behind the counter. I smiled at her while I waited in line and then greeted her warmly when it was my turn to order. After taking my order, she asked if I was in “customer service.” I have been asked many things in my life, but until then, that had not been one of them. She went on to say that she noticed me greeting people when I came in and that I seemed happy. She assumed that I must be in some line of work related to customer service since I was so friendly.

I was pleased to inform her that I was a pastor and it was my faith that made me happy. Though I only got to share with her for a minute about my faith, I hope it was enough to make her think about spiritual matters. It occurred to me later, that in some ways, pastors, and perhaps all Christians, are indeed in “customer service.” We serve our communities in a variety of ways so that we can introduce people to our Boss. As we serve, we make genuine friendships and learn to sincerely care about what is going on in our friends’ lives. We do not have a “product” to sell, just an eternity to give away for free. For Christians, this one of the most important things we do. I hope that I can be even more successful in my “customer service” efforts in the future!