Have you noticed those signs that you see at the doctors, the post office, the servo, the dentist?… In fact they are popping up everywhere. They say something like this ‘please treat our staff with respect. Bad language and aggression will not be tolerated.’

They never used to be there. I remember a time when those signs didn’t exist. When we somehow knew intuitively that you didn’t take out your anger on the staff behind the desk or the lady on the end of the phone. Teachers shouldn’t have to worry about violence when they call a meeting with parents to discuss why their child has been suspended, but now there may be another staff member or some form of security nearby.

Something has shifted in the social fabric of our world. I’m guessing it’s not just Australia where this is a problem, but probably the western world predominantly where we seem to feel like we are entitled to vent our anger if things don’t go our way. (My hunch is developing world people don’t do this so much – they are used to long queues and things not going their way)

Similarly I don’t think road rage was at the level it was 30 years ago either. Someone would beep their horn in frustration at a bad lane change and the person in front would raise their hands as if to say ‘gimme a break – I’ve had a hard day’. Now you don’t beep the horn just in case there is a psychopath in front of you ready to pull across the road, stop traffic and come for you.

Is there a reason we have devolved to these kinds of responses?

Yeah sin. I get that. But it’s not like sin is new. Is there something going on in the world that has made us more edgy, more prone to snap? Australia was known for it’s anti-authority tone, but that was when our soldiers wouldn’t salute officers – not when they used office workers for punching bags.

Whatever the deal, this is one of those places where the people of God get a chance to shine. If you want to make a small difference in the world then choose to turn the tide by reversing the flow of energy. Every time you enter a building with one of those signs, chances are someone behind the desk may be a little on edge – because let’s face it – the sign doesn’t stop those kinds of people.

So rather than being neutral in tone, choose to be warm, kind and friendly. Not weird and overbearing. Just imagine that you have the capacity to make a difference with your tone and every opportunity you get be ‘that guy’ or ‘that girl’ who staff are glad to see because you allow them to breath and to enjoy their job once again.

And if you happen to be a Christian – but you are also one of those people for whom those signs have been created – then look yourself in the eye in the mirror and tell yourself to pull your finger out and stop it.