“Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you the spiritual ones restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
I cancelled my television service. I have needed and been meaning to do it for a while, but just didn’t get around to it. What was my reason? Well, about the same as anyone’s–hundreds of channels and less than zero on, but paying more and more for it.
When I called, however, they simply did not want to let me go. I bet I talked to three different departments, including one called “customer retention.” They offered “free” this and “expanded” that and just about everything but George Bailey’s moon to get me to stay. In the end, I turned them down. It took nearly an hour, but they finally figured out that I was resolved to let them go. Even then, they said they were sending me an email with a code that would enable me to hook back up without having to pay a new service connection charge.
The saga doesn’t end there, however. Two days later I received a call from the retention office again, telling me that I will receive the next two months free, whether I chose to stay or not, even though I am only paid up through the end of the month. A day after that, I received confirmation of this same thing by email. The shut off date has come and gone and I still have television service.
Now, the company I am with has always done right by me, and I have never had a problem. I knew they were a good company, but this is simply going above and beyond. I am not going to sign back up, but I was impressed with how well organized they were in making me feel as if my service mattered to them.
I wonder how well we do the same as Christians for those around us who are both lost and dying or are in some stage of the process of losing their faith? I wonder how our “retention department” is doing. Often, many of us are concerned about getting others to “go to church.” Often we are concerned about helping them “become Christians.” Yet, is there follow through? Do we continue to help them grow? Do they fall through the cracks?
Maybe you are on the other side of this equation. Maybe you have been one of the ignored. Either way, let us, in this day, begin anew. If neglected, forgive those who have slighted you and move forward, wiser and stronger. After all, God has not forgotten you. If you have let others slide, reconnect today. Apologize if you must, but move forward and be an encourager and a delight to those around you.
