The Right Thing

You’ve probably seen the ad, or seen one like it. State Farm Insurance this evening, during the OU/OSU game had a commercial where the only sound was a musical score where the singers sang “You wanna go where everybody knows your name,” several times during the 30 second spot. Of course, the song is from the TV show “Cheers.” And the theme of the commercial was that people like to do business where they are called by name.
I’ve noticed many commercials in the last couple of years that have this theme. Not the song from “Cheers” necessarily, but the general theme of the commercial is that you will be somebody besides a number if you do business with us.
It’s sad in a way that commercials even have to have this theme. I know that in this modern world, it’s a little arcane to think that the mom and pop grocery store, the local banker, the hardware store guy, the clothing store women, and the meat market butcher would all be friends and neighbors who know you and you know not only them, but also their spouses, kids, and grandkids.
However, there are ways that we can meet the need for recognition without having to patronize a particular insurance company, supermarket, or bank. A couple of ways that I can think of immediately are to volunteer your time to a worthy organization and to become connected with a loving church community.
Think about it before you dismiss these suggestions out of hand. Someone who volunteers is appreciated just for their willingness to serve. These folks fill needs, provide additional support, and generally make life better and easier for those they serve. And that service is noticed and appreciated, making the volunteer a sort of celebrity, if you will.
And to attach oneself to a loving church community is to inherit a “whole ‘nuther family,’ as it were. Folks are generally glad you are a part of the group and enjoy the time they spend with you. You have additional opportunity to volunteer through the church as well.
You don’t have to attach to a church, if that’s not your thing. Civic groups, non-profit organizations and the like many times are formed around a community structure and would welcome you to the fellowship. I would ask, though, that you seriously consider your Creator, His continuing love for you and your response to that. No, not all churches are loving. No, not all people in the church are committed to the cause. Yes, some are hypocrites. You’ll find that, however, wherever you go because people are imperfect by nature, and so are you. Don’t let those lame excuses keep you from doing the right thing.