A plague of locusts, cleaning out the neighborhood and then flying off. Your bureaucrats are locusts, your brokers and bankers are locusts. Early on, they're all at your service, full of smiles and promises, But later when you return with questions or complaints, you'll find they've flown off and are nowhere to be found. Nahum 3:16-17 (MSG)

I must warn you that I've been on a rant in recent weeks, and when I read the verses above it was like pulling a scab off the wound. In my profession, I help companies measure and improve their customer service, Therefore, I get really incensed with retailers, contractors and merchants who conduct their business just as Nahum described. They're great on your initial call or visit, wanting your business and setting high expectations that they'll take care of you - but then the promises of follow-up are broken. "I'll call you tomorrow," they say, and you never hear from them.

I find it fascinating that, among the list of ancient Nineveh's great offenses, the prophet Nahum lists poor customer service. And yet, it makes sense. The manner with which we serve others, in business, in community, or in family, speaks to the heart issues of integrity, honesty, selflessness, and proven character.

And, as I point the finger at others, there are three pointing right back at me. I can't really look at the service speck in the eyes of others without considering if others might accuse me of the same offense.  How well am I serving my family, my friends, my co-workers, my clients and my community?

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and wongjunhao