"Our concentration it contains a deadly flaw
Our conversations change from words to blah, blah, blah
We took prescription drugs
But look how much good that did
Well I think I had a point,
But I just got distracted"

So, coming back from a work seminar, I reflected on one of the little "activities" there. This being a Chik-fil-a seminar, the emphasis was on quality service. So, we did a "roleplaying" activity. I'll be the first to admit, it was awkward and seemingly kinda stupid.

Riding home, I thought "man, that was pointless. Why'd we even do it?"

Then it struck me. Pointless?

What isn't pointless? Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes entered my mind: "Everything is meaningless! What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?"

And so it seems. Stupid "highschool drama," petty fights, strivings for material possessions; these things are certainly meaningless. There is no value in them.

What is value? Economics cannot hold any answer here; this is too deep and broad a subject. It covers not the mere tradings of goods and services; it covers the spending and saving of time.

"Every day is a bank account,
and time is our currency.
No one's rich, nobody's poor;
We get twenty-four hours each.
So how're you gonna spend?
Will you invest or squander?
Try to get ahead or help someone who's under?"

What determines value in matters of time?

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." --- Galatians 6:9

Doing good. Seems superficial? Not quite.

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness" --- Titus 2:7

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life." --- Romans 2:7

In doing good, we spread the glory of God. We show His love to all people.

So value in temporal terms is found in bringing glory to God.

So, is an exercise in "operating excellence" and "2nd mile service" pointless and devoid of value?

No (and yes,) I would contend.

This exercise is intended to teach us better respect and conduct towards customers. The focus of the 1-day seminar surprised me; it was Scripture-based. The intention was stated over and over: better service to better glorify God.

So, ideally, the idea is not pointless.

Now, in execution, I admit, the idea was pointless. The situation was awkward and could not possibly reflect on daily (working) life.

But let us not be too quick to judge! Our time is not our own to spend; it is the Lord's! He grants each second to us on loan; let us turn a profit on it. Let us gain a return on it.

Let us proclaim the glory of His name to unbelievers, and let us build up fellow believers. When making decisions, let us weigh carefully; which path most glorifies God?

And most of all, let us not get caught up in the distractions of this world. All things here shall pass away, fading away before the splendor of the King of all creation.

Let us seek to honor Him who gave us His life; who spent His time on this earth to die for us and redeem us for His glory.