October 9, 2024 Think RED
Published October 9, 2024
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Think RED
Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5
I got my first job at 14, working at a supermarket in Florida as a “customer service associate”—which is just a fancy way of saying I bagged groceries. I actually loved it because the place felt like a bit of a time warp. I had to wear a shirt, tie, and apron, and our uniform colors were dark blue, coral pink, and light green—a color palette straight out of a 1950s Florida advertisement. But what really made this grocery store unique was its focus on customer service. One summer, they sent out flyers and pins reminding us to “Think RED,” which stood for:
- Recognize: Acknowledge any customer within 10 feet with a friendly, “Hi there! Finding everything okay?”
- Empathize: Put yourself in the customer’s shoes, no matter their situation.
- Deliver: Whether it’s helping them find an item or walking them to their car, make sure they get what they need.
Honestly, my boss at the grocery store could’ve just handed us Philippians 2:3-5 instead of the flyer! But I guess the corporate consultants knew how catchy acronyms could be.
Let’s apply the “Think RED” principles in a spiritual context (feel free to use it in or out of the grocery store!):
- Recognize: When we see a new neighbor or a visitor at church, do we greet them with a warm welcome?
- Empathize: When someone shares something personal, do we truly listen and offer compassion?
- Deliver: As the body of Christ, do we bring hope and love to others, shining as a light in a world that can often feel dark?
With faith, hope, and love,
Eric Smith