A Trip To Bethlehem: A Lesson In Customer Service
The review above is, of course, completely fictious. Unfortunately for Joseph and Mary there were no such things as Google reviews. Their only recourse they had was to tuff it up and make the best of a very difficult situation. The Bible, however, affords us an example of one of the worst customer service stories in history. That Innkeeper will forever be remembered as the business owner who refused to help a customer in need.
This little vignette allows us an occasion to pause and think about two very important things, how we do business and the coming of God’s son into the world: I’ll speak to the later event in just a minute. Let’s first stop and think about the value of customer service. What price tag can you put on going the extra mile to meet the needs of a customer?
In the internet age that we find ourselves, it’s very easy for potential customers to find alternatives. In just a matter of seconds, they can find every type of service provider or retail establishment in their area along with reviews from previous customers. The only way you have to differentiate your business from your competitors is how you treat your customers. Everything else out there is just white noise at best or bad reviews at worst.
What are some things that you can do to really shine when it comes to customer service? How far are you willing to go to make sure that no one outdoes you when it comes to serving the public? Could you extend your business hours? How about delivering something to a customer at their location? The possibilities are endless and only you know what could bring your customers joy. The key to this is putting yourself in their shoes and thinking, “How would I want to be treated if I had a need or problem like theirs”? It’s not rocket science it’s just plain old common sense and courtesy.
Despite the fact that the Innkeeper in the story of Joseph and Mary failed at the one thing he had to do, it didn’t stop something very special from happening. The fact that Mary had to deliver her baby in the barn behind the Inn makes the story even more glorious, no thanks to the innkeeper. This birth was not the birth of just any baby, it was the birth of the very Son of God.
As you are taking time out from work this season to celebrate and spend time with family and friends, its important to remember that baby who was born. He didn’t remain a baby but grew into a man who would givehis life on the cross so that you and I and all who will believe can be forgiven of sin and be made right with God. The gift that entered the world in that barn was the most precious gift ever given. Don’t neglect receiving this precious gift and sharing it with all whom you know.
Let’s endeavor to leave a legacy that acknowledges both the value of great customer service and faith in God’s Son Jesus Christ. The dividends for just such a life payoff both now and in the life to come.
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