Taking bread from a poor man

If you were feeling a bit snacky as you walked down the street and you passed a homeless man, would you steal his bread? Probably not. We good citizens taught not to steal. What if you were authorized to take it? He's not offering it to you, but you have been entitled to remove the loaf from his mitts if you want. Would you? Probably not. Taking bread from a poor man is bad form.

I recently had a business conversation with a man who stepped on my toes. He used the measure of authority that had been given him to be disrespectful and controlling. A terse, "Let me explain to your role in this contract" followed by a suggested call to his supervisor would have melted him. I easily could have stepped past Kafka's gatekeeper, and part of me really wanted to put this guy back in his seat. Fortunately, God-fueled patience won the day, and we resolved the matter without me bringing clarity to my biggness and his smallness. Later reflection on this made me realize that I was tempted to take bread from a poor man.

The fellow on the other end didn't have much proverbial bread. He only had the authority to say 'yes' or 'no' as he interpreted the will of his superiors. Throwing this switch was the only 'bread' that he had in his life. Honestly, I was angry because he took a choice that belonged to me. I have plenty of bread, but in that moment he took a slice of my loaf. I came close to taking all of his. Not classy.

I can still get what is needed without crushing other people. Even if it takes a conversation with a supervisor, it can be done without gutting the subordinate. Frankly, his position is humble enough without me pointing it out. I can check my ego to save his. Stepping on him wouldn't make me any taller--it merely reveals my own insecurity. Power isn't for overcoming the little guy, it's for helping him. I pray that God helps me not to destroy the dignity of others. Taking bread from a poor man is bad form.