What's the Cost of a Smile?

Philippians 2: 3 (NRSV)

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard other as better than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:1-4 (The Message)

 ^1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

          Sometimes I find the paraphrase of The Message makes everything so much clearer. Once again Philippians becomes my guide book about how to be a Citizen of Heaven on earth. Putting others before me doesn’t mean thinking negatively about myself. It means not being selfish, when we see another in need. It means stepping out and offering to help, whether the help is financial or physical.

          How about the simple thing of our place in the checkout line? Would it really hurt us to allow someone behind us with only a few items go in front if we have a cart full of things? How about how we treat the sales clerks or checkout people? Do we huff and puff because their employer has had to cut costs and has few people to help which means longer lines? Or do we smile and offer a word of encouragement to them?

          What is the cost of a smile? Sometimes we treat them as if they were treasures to be hoarded. Over the years I have discovered they are treasures, but treasures that are multiplied the more I share them. Try it sometime as you walk down the street or through a store. A pleasant hello and a smile may change someone’s day.