How to Address the Epidemic of Rudeness

Published:
June 15, 2021

Contributor:
Stacy Farrell

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It’s sobering, isn’t it?

To look around at our culture and realize we may very well be the generation in which lawlessness is increased and the love of many grows cold (Matthew 24:12).

Do you see it too?

A young girl screams in anger, demonstrating she is out of control and needs good manners training

The Epidemic Spreads.

No, not that one.

I’m talking about the epidemic of rudeness and self-centeredness. It’s a contagion that causes self-interest to disregard the needs of others.

One that results in gross offenses, bad habits, hurt feelings, and missed opportunities.

And I’m afraid it’s infected every part of our society from toddlers to the eldest among us.

What are we, as those called to be lights in this world, to do?

We Can’t Control It. 

We can’t control what happens beyond the walls of our homes, but we can determine what happens within them.

If life is a vapor as James 4:14 says, then what is the time we have with our children while under our care?

Time is so short. But I believe the incubation period of this “epidemic” is even shorter.

Truly, it doesn’t take long for bad manners and poor habits to develop roots in our hearts.

From the time our children are toddlers and throw their first tantrum, we see bad habits trying to establish themselves. 

It’s our job as parents to train our children to replace those bad habits with good ones. 

As is the way with time, our window of opportunity to do so grows shorter every day.

We must seize every opportunity—while we still have them—to equip our children to shine as lights through their actions and mannerisms.

Do you have resources to help you do that?

The Tools for the Job.

Every trade has tools that make the job easier.

Plumbers have drain snakes, electricians have wire cutters, and firefighters have hoses.

As parents, we have an infinitely more important job to do. We, too, need the right tools to do it well.

I think you’d agree that Scripture is our #1 most valuable resource as we train our children. 

Every other tool we use should align with it.

What tools are you using to help your children develop godly habits and manners? 

When it comes to habit training—or character building—many resources focus on actions and “being good.” 

But Scripture says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34), so would we get better results if we addressed the heart first and foremost?

The Heart of the Matter.

I think it’s fair to say that sometimes children (even teens) don’t understand why good manners are important.

Why should they chew with their mouths closed?

Why should they listen without interrupting?

These aren’t just “actions.” They are a reflection of an inward belief that we esteem others more highly than ourselves.

When you teach the heart behind certain actions and mannerisms, something “clicks.”

You can inspire joy in behaving appropriately as students realize how their actions impact the world around them.

This is the perspective taught in the Good Manners Guide

A Bible-Based Approach to Manners.

In the hands of loving parents, the Good Manners Guide is a tool for character training that addresses it at its root—the heart.

good manners guide book and pages

It does so by teaching manners based on 4 of the Fruits of the Spirit:

  • Love
  • Kindness
  • Faithfulness
  • Self Control

It contains 50+ pages of actionable strategies and thought-provoking lessons to help families display respect, kindness, self-control, and more in an increasingly godless culture.

Here’s a peek at what’s inside:

  • Skip the fluff. No “salad spoon” instructions here. Focus instead on what matters most: kindness, thoughtfulness, and more.
  • Eliminate confusion. This guide translates qualities like love, self control, and faithfulness into action steps your family can carry out in everyday life.
  • Combat empty actions. Students won’t just learn to hold the door, listen intently, and make eye contact (to name a few). They’ll discover why and how their mannerisms can impact the lives of those around them.

⇨  Learn more about the Good Manners Guide here.

We may live in an increasingly godless culture, but that just means our light can shine all the brighter. 

Be encouraged, and keep up the good work!