The Decay of Dignity—Why Manners Matter
A lack of good manners isn't just rude; it signals a lack of self-control that repels opportunities and destroys social equity. When we stop practicing basic courtesy, we contribute to a high-stress environment that triggers defensiveness in others. The "decay of dignity" in our speech and behavior is a leading cause of workplace friction and marital distance. Good manners are the "oil" that prevents the friction of human interaction from turning into a fire of conflict. In our fast-paced, digital world, we have traded "please" and "thank you" for blunt demands and hurried "haste-speech." We think manners are just about which fork to use, but biblical manners are about honor. When you show someone respect through your manners, you are acknowledging their value as a person created in the image of God. A lack of manners is often a symptom of an overstressed soul. When we are under pressure, we become "short" with people. ...