HCMC

Courtesy, Manners, and Respect

"Please knock before you barge in," "Open the door for your mom," "Don't interrupt while your sister is talking," "Ask before you use your sister's stuff," "Don't forget to say please and thank you," Sound familiar?

What probably sounds a lot like nagging to you is just your parents' attempt to help you build some good habits. Call them whatever you want... being polite, having good manners, showing respect, being courteous... they're all habits most of us could use a little more of.

One big reason this stuff is important within your family is because the habits of courtesy, manners, respect and politeness are a big deal outside your family too. Have you ever noticed that teachers seem to like the polite kids a little better, and that the players who show more respect to their coach usually get more playing time? As you get older, you'll notice that people who know how to treat others seem have better jobs and make more money. We're not saying this is completely fair; we're just saying that it's the way things seem to work. You're parents know this, too, which is why they make such a big deal about it.

The bible encourages us to treat others the same way we would like to be treated. Isn't it funny how easy it is to be rude, annoying and disrespectful to people in your family? It is not easy, but a good way to develop habits of courtesy, manners, respect and politeness is to practise treating your family the way you want to be treated.