As we prepare to leave for the Feast of Tabernacles, it is worth noting the impact our keeping the Feast has on those around us. What kind of example will you be this year at the Feast, to the people you meet—whether the public or your own brethren?
We are to be known for our good works, which should make us a light in a darkened world! As Jesus said: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14–16).
Are we fulfilling this instruction by Christ, to be a positive light at the Feast? Are we known for being courteous and considerate of others, and being peaceable, gentle and humble (Titus 3:2)? Are we patient and kind, not self-willed or quick to grow angry (Titus 1:7)? When disagreements do occur, are we "willing to yield" rather than just demanding our own way? These are all aspects of being, as Jesus commanded, "in the world, but not of the world" (John 17:15–16).
The Feast of Tabernacles is a golden opportunity to shine the light of this type of example for each other, and for the non-members with whom we interact. Whether we are responding to the directions of an usher, giving of ourselves in fellowship, or even being patient with a waiter at a restaurant, at the Feast we are striving to portray the coming millennial reign of Christ! We are learning to live now the way people will be taught for 1,000 years under Jesus Christ. Our goal is to show that God's law can be applied now to real, practical interaction between human beings. That law, we know, produces wonderful, harmonious fruit (Galatians 5:22)!
What are some ways we can be a light at the Feast this year? Consider the following:
Patience with Hotel Staff
Making reservations for hotels or condominiums can sometimes be a patience-building experience! But hotel and reservations staff notice and appreciate it when representatives of the Church are courteous, polite and patient, even when frustrations occur. As ambassadors of Christ, we should always try to put our best foot forward.
Courtesy During Meetings
Plan to arrive every day in ample time to find a seat, and please be seated when the songleader requests this of you, as the pianist begins the introductory hymns. It is also important that each of us show consideration by saving only the seats that we will really need, since space is sometimes limited. We show love to those who have special needs when we take note of the "Reserved" signs that designate special seating areas such as "Hard of Hearing" (near the stage or audio equipment), and "Parents with Small Children." We even show outflowing concern for those around us when we remember to turn off our cell phones! These are all small but significant ways to show courtesy at the daily services.
Care of the Hall
The Church of God has long had the reputation of "leaving a hall in better condition than we found it." Please be sure to cooperate with the ushering and cleanup crews by keeping your areas neat, by cleaning up after yourself and by following the rules of the hall management. Being careful about these points will help us leave a positive impression that the hall management will not forget—and that will mean they will want us back next year!
Care and Supervision of Children
The Feast is a highlight of the year for children, offering many fun things to do! But in the meeting hall, children need to be closely supervised at all times. Parents should not allow children to run through the halls or fellowship area, as this presents a direct hazard to the elderly. Some of our seniors find it frightening to see children darting about underfoot. With limited eyesight and less-than-sure footing, some of our older brethren can easily trip and fall, which can even be life-threatening at their age. Parents should also appreciate that children shouting or playing loudly can make hearing difficult for those who are fellowshipping. For safety reasons, and for common courtesy, please supervise your children at all times.
Quarantine of the Sick
Have a giving attitude—except when it comes to giving away your illness! Elders are usually on duty for anointings before and after services every day during the Feast of Tabernacles. However, if you or your children have a contagious illness, please exercise wisdom and show love to other brethren by staying back at your lodging until you are over your sickness. Elders can be contacted by phone to request an anointing at your place of residence.
Appropriate Entertainment
The Festival Coordinator's Manual, used as a guide for our Feast coordinators, says this: "A family night including perhaps a fun show, dance, buffet, sit-down meal, etc., offered to the entire group attending has been a major highlight of the Feast. We recommend strongly that the music be carefully supervised and that any fun show presentations be previewed for appropriateness" (p. 14). If you plan to participate in a fun show at the Feast, let your light shine by making sure your material is appropriate. It goes without saying that off-color jokes, lewd dancing, sexual references, questionable lyrics and costuming that may be construed as distasteful should be omitted.
Appropriate Beach Attire and Swimwear
Beach and water activities can be fun and wholesome outings for young and old alike. Although most of us are careful to dress appropriately for services during the Feast (for more on this topic, please see "Modest Attire: Our Christian Responsibility" in the January-February 2007 Living Church News), beach activities can tempt a few to push the limits of what is considered appropriate and tasteful. The Festival Coordinator's Manual states: "The Living Youth Camp swimwear policy has been adopted for LCG Festival sites. Appropriate attire for women is a modest one-piece suit; and men should wear boxer style trunks. Two-piece outfits for women and 'Speedo'–type bathing suits for men are unacceptable" (p. 15).
Our example at the Feast of Tabernacles is vital. For some non-members who encounter our brethren, it may be the only "witness" of God's ways that they will ever have in this age (1 Peter 2:12). For our brethren, a positive example sets an encouraging and uplifting tone that motivates and inspires us all. It helps us enjoy the Feast and learn important lessons of living God's law in practical ways. At the Feast of Tabernacles 2007, be a light!
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How To Treat A Waiter—Is Your Light Shining?
In the following article, corporate CEOs discuss how they can predict a lot about people's character by observing how they treat waiters and waitresses in a restaurant. Consider your example at the Feast—what does your attitude and demeanor toward others at the Feast say about your character?
CEOs say how you treat a waiter can predict a lot about character
By Del Jones, USA TODAY, Friday, April 14, 2006
It's hard to get a dozen CEOs to agree about anything, but all interviewed agree with the Waiter Rule. They acknowledge that CEOs live in a Lake Wobegon world where every dinner or lunch partner is above average in their deference. How others treat the CEO says nothing, they say. But how others treat the waiter is like a magical window into the soul [emphasis ours]… Whoever came up with the waiter observation "is bang spot on," says BMW North America President Tom Purves, a native of Scotland, a citizen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, who lives in New York City with his Norwegian wife, Hilde, and works for a German company. That makes him qualified to speak on different cultures, and he says the waiter theory is true everywhere.
The CEO who came up with it, or at least first wrote it down, is Raytheon CEO Bill Swanson. He wrote a booklet of 33 short leadership observations called Swanson's Unwritten Rules of Management. Raytheon has given away 250,000 of the books. Among those 33 rules is only one that Swanson says never fails: "A person who is nice to you but rude to the waiter, or to others, is not a nice person." Swanson says he first noticed this in the 1970s when he was eating with a man who became "absolutely obnoxious" to a waiter because the restaurant did not stock a particular wine. "Watch out for people who have a situational value system, who can turn the charm on and off depending on the status of the person they are interacting with," Swanson writes. "Be especially wary of those who are rude to people perceived to be in subordinate roles."
The Waiter Rule also applies to the way people treat hotel maids, mailroom clerks, bellmen and security guards. Au Bon Pain co-founder Ron Shaich, now CEO of Panera Bread, says he was interviewing a candidate for general counsel in St. Louis. She was "sweet" to Shaich but turned "amazingly rude" to someone cleaning the tables, Shaich says. She didn't get the job.