Etiquette
seems to be something that does not matter to many people today. It has
to do with polite behavior, protocol, manners, and courtesy. As
Christians I believe it is essential for us to exhibit courtesy,
manners, etc. It is a form of respect. The Bible encourages us to be
respectful. Romans 13:7 tells us, “to give respect and honor to all to
whom it is due.” Other scriptures admonish children to respect their
parents; employees to respect employers; wives to respect their
husband. Older men are to teach others to be worthy of respect. 1 Peter
2:17 says we should show respect to everyone.
The ideas we share
will teach you how to be respectful in various situations. As we are
respectful to others, it makes us worthy of receiving respect. Also
people will see a difference in our lives and want what we have. The
Proverbs 31 woman's husband, children, servants, and those in the
community respected her because of the respect she showed.
1. Turn off your cell phone at work, school, church, in a meeting, at a movie or theatre, or other enclosed public spaces.
2.
Do not use your cell phone in the restroom. People in the restroom do
not need to hear your conversation and the person you are talking to
does not want to hear the bathroom sounds.
3. Do not dial your cell phone while driving. It is a hazard to you and everyone else.
4.
Do not wear your earpiece if you are not on the phone. It is hard for
people to determine whether or not you are listening to someone.
5.
Use the same voice you would you use on your cell phone as you would
with a regular phone. The microphone on the phone will pick up your
voice. It is a very sensitive device.
6.
Remember that your cell phone is a convenience for you. It is good to
give it and yourself a rest from it. The more available you make
yourself the more people will expect you to be available. Do you really
want to be available 24 hours a day?
7.
Do not put your cell phone on the table when you are in a restaurant.
You will still hear or feel it if you keep it in your jacket, on your
belt, or in your purse.
8.
When you are in someone else’s company do not answer the phone unless
it is absolutely necessary. You are with that person to be with them.
They should have your undivided attention.
9. If you have to answer a call when you are in the presence of others, excuse yourself and make the call as brief as possible.
10. Maintain at least a 10-foot zone away from others while talking.
11.
Do not use your phone in the checkout line, while paying for goods,
while someone is waiting on you, while banking, or while doing any
personal business. It is impolite to the people who are trying to help
you.
12. Be aware of your
surroundings. Do not have personal conversations, sensitive business
conversations, or emotional conversations within earshot of others.
13.
If you forget to turn off your phone in a theatre, at church, in a
meeting, etc., reach for it as quickly as possible and turn it off. Do
not answer it.
14. If you are expecting a call you have to take, inform those you are with before you get the call.